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| Oncocerca spp. | |
|---|---|
| Class | Nematoda |
| Super-family | Filarioidea |
Onchocerca gutturosa
Also known as: Onchocera lienalis — Ligamentary onchocercosis
Hosts
Intermediate hosts: Blackflies
Definitive hosts: Cattle
Identification
O. gutturosa are thin, white worms. The females are capable of growing up to 60cm in length. The males are considerably smaller at around 4cm in length.
Life Cycle
Microfilariae are found on the surface of the host. Blackflies feed and ingest the microfilariae. These develop and mature into L3 larvae. The blackflies then feed on another host, which becomes infected.
Onchocerca gibsoni
Hosts
Intermediate hosts: Midges (Culocoides)
Definitive hosts: Cattle
Identification
O. gutturosa are thin, white worms ranging from 2-20cm in length. The microfilariae are around 260μm in length.
Life Cycle
As for Onchocera gutturosa.
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Literature Search
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Onchocerca spp. in cattle publications