Habronemiases

Habronemiases 

helminthic diseases of solid-hoofed animals, caused by nematodes of the genus Habronema. Habronemiases are common everywhere, especially in southern zones of the world, where up to 50-60 percent of horses are affected. The causative agents of habronemiases, small nematodes (8-22 mm in length), develop in an intermediate host (horntail flies and houseflies, for example). The adult parasites become localized in the stomach and destroy its mucous membrane, causing atrophy of the glands. The larvae parasitize the skin and lungs. Cutaneous habronemiasis is accompanied by the formation of ulcers (“summer sores”). In the lungs Habronema larvae form parasitizing nodes, which subsequently undergo purulent disintegration. Diseased animals have catarrhal gastroenteritis and progessive emaciation. Carbon tetrachloride and a solution of iodine are used to treat stomach habronemiasis. In cutaneous habronemiasis, the ulcers are treated with a 2-3 percent solution of trypan blue. The diseases can be prevented through the control of flies.