Onchocerca - Cattle

• Filarial nematode (white thread-like, <6cm long)
• Found in ligamentum nuchae and gastrosplenic ligament (UK), skin and muscle (overseas)
• Indirect life cycle (intermediate hosts: black fly, ‘’Simulium’’ species and biting midge, ‘’Culicoides’’ species)
• Little or no significance (UK); subcutaneous and intramuscular nodules may cause economic loss due to carcass trimming (overseas).