First Report Of Naturally Microfilariae Infected Buffalo From Punjab (India)

Abstract

Filarioid are economically important nematodes parasites of domestic animals. Setaria spp. is one of  the filarioid nematode which produces first larval stage called as ‘microfilariae’. These microfilaria  when in circulation can be easily taken up by haematophagous insects which probably act as  intermediate hosts and active vectors (Anderson, 2000). In their natural hosts viz., cattle and buffalo,  the parasites are generally considered to be non-pathogenic, although they may cause mild fibrinous  peritonitis. The sheathed microfilaria in systemic circulation migrates through different body tissues of  the host and causes varied clinical manifestations. During their course of migration they may  accidentally get lodged in the corneal chamber causing severe irritation to the cornea leading to  corneal opacity and blindness in the affected animals. The present study describes the occurrence of  microfilariosis with corneal opacity in buffalo and the consequent alteration in haematological  parameters.