Onchocerca lesions in moose (Alces alces L.)

Inflammatory discolorated granulomas occurred in 98% of investigated moose, 1.5 years of age or older. In moose calves no lesions were observed. The lesions were mainly located in tendineous tissues. Predilection sites were the insertions of M. sartorius and M. semitendinosus at the tibia. Lesions also occurred in peritendineous and subcutaneous tissues. The lesions were caused by Onchocerca worms. The character of the inflammatory reaction was benign and onchocercal lesions in moose appeared to be of minor importance for the health and mobility of the animals, and also from meat hygiene aspects. The found worm shows similarities regarding morphology and localization to O. tarsicola. As the worm, however, is very common in moose and seems to be well adapted to this animal, the presence of an Onchocerca species or strain specific to moose, can not be ruled out.