Studies on Parafilaria bovicola (Tubangui 1934). 1. Clinical observations and chemotherapy

A detailed examination on a group of oxen naturally infested with Parafilaria bovicola suggested a prepatent period varying from 238 to 250 days. In these animals 54% of all lesions bled only once, 22% a second time and 24% more than twice. Of all active lesions 42% occurred in the shoulder region and decreased from this area both cranially and caudally. The same tendency was noticeable on carcasses after slaughter. During the observation period May 1974 to February 1975 the number of positive animals increased, reaching peak values during September - October 1974, after which a decline was noticed. The filaricidal effects of nine compounds were tested. These were suramin (used in combination with diethylcarbamazine citrate), thiacetarsamide sodium, fenchlorphos, phosmet, mebendazole, fenbendazole, levamisole hydrochloride and trichlorphon.