Stephanofilariasis in bovines: Prevalence, control and eradication in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Stephanofilariasis, one of the most problematic parasitic diseases caused by Stephanofilaria assamensis, is endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and many other states of India as well as neighbouring countries. The disease could neither be fully controlled nor eradicated from these regions in spite of various attempts. The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of the disease in the endemic areas of the islands, its economic impact and suitable measures for its eradication. The prevalence of the disease was varied from 10.2 to 70.5%. The incidence rate was more in older animals. The direct and indirect economic losses to farmers by way of loss of draught days, delayed puberty, lower lactation yields and prolonged inter-calving period were enormous. The control and eradication of stephanofilariasis in bovines could be successfully achieved especially by targeting the life cycle of the biological vector (Musca conducens), the intermediate host. Simultaneously, other measures such as blanket treatment of affected animals during active phase of the parasite after cordoning the area, improvement in general cleanliness and hygiene to reduce the fly population, promptly attending to fresh injuries/cuts and concerted efforts to make the intermediate host sterile for parasite were also undertaken.