Detection of Elaeophora bohmi (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) in horse from northern Italy

Horses may be infected by different species of onchocercid nematodes, including Onchocerca reticulata, which reside in the connective tissue of the flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament of the fetlock, Onchocerca cervicalis and Onchocerca gutturosa, which parasitize the connective tissue of the nuchal ligament. The literature on equine onchocercosis is fragmentary, limited, and often dated. The present report aimed at describing a case of equine onchocercosis caused by Elaeophora (Onchocerca) böhmi in an 8-years old gelding Belgian show jumper from northern Italy (Liguria)