Acute filariasis in a springhaas

A 2-yr old Springhaas (Pedetes capensis; Pedetidae, Rodentia) imported into the USA from the Republic of South Africa was severely debilitated as the result of abberant migrations of adult Filaria versterae (Filarioidea: Filariidae) normally confined to the subcutaneous tissues of this host in Africa. Some nematodes invaded the peritoneal and thoracic cavities, the pericardial sac and the lungs. Invasion of the lungs resulted in life-threatening respiratory distress necessitating euthanasia. Filaria versterae is redescribed.