The filarial worms are of great importance in human medicine in the tropics, causing diseases such as elephantitis and river blindness, but their veterinary interest is limited - with the important exception of ''Dirofilaria'', the canine heartworm, which is a major cause of morbidity and death in warmer, humid regions (including parts of the USA, Australia, southern Europe etc.). | The filarial worms are of great importance in human medicine in the tropics, causing diseases such as elephantitis and river blindness, but their veterinary interest is limited - with the important exception of ''Dirofilaria'', the canine heartworm, which is a major cause of morbidity and death in warmer, humid regions (including parts of the USA, Australia, southern Europe etc.). |