Filarioid Nematodes in Cattle, Sheep, and Horses in Finland
Author Information
Author(s): Milla Solismaa, Sauli Laaksonen, Minna Nylund, Elisa Pitkänen, Riitta Airakorpi, Antti Oksanen
Primary Institution: Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira
Hypothesis
What filarioid nematodes occur in cattle, horses, and sheep in Finland?
Conclusion
Onchocerca sp. infection in cattle is common in Finland, but the pathological changes leading to condemnation of infected parts are low compared to the prevalence of microfilariae.
Supporting Evidence
- 37% of skin biopsies from cattle were positive for Onchocerca sp. microfilariae.
- All blood samples from cattle, horses, and sheep were negative for microfilariae.
- The prevalence of microfilariae was higher in southern Finland compared to the north.
Takeaway
This study looked at worms in cows, horses, and sheep in Finland and found that while many cows had these worms, they usually didn't cause serious problems.
Methodology
Skin biopsies and blood samples were collected from cattle, horses, and sheep and examined for microfilariae.
Limitations
The study did not examine enough horse samples to rule out Onchocerca spp. infections in horses.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from cattle, horses, and sheep over one year old from various regions in Finland.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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