Bovine onchocerciasis: aspects of carcase infection

The distribution of the three known species of Onchocerca in Australian cattle is described. O. gutterosa was found in the ligamentum nuchae, on the scapular cartilage and in the hip, stifle and shoulder regiobns. Nodules of O. gibsoni were found in the brisket, stifle and hip regions, while O; lienalis occurred along the gastrosplenic ligament and above the xiphisternum. O. gutturosa is potentially the most important species to the meat industry since it is widely distributed in the carcase and is easily missed during inspection. Trimming procedures which could be used to ensure removal of known sites of infection are outlined.