Further observations on Strongyloides westeri dermatitis: recovery of larvae from soil and bedding, and survival in treated sites

Authors: Dewes HF, Townsend KG
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 38, Issue 1, pp 34-37, Apr 1990
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Nematode, Parasites - internal
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Two horses repeatedly underwent episodes of frenzy characterised by extreme discomfort and hyperactivity. Within 2 days of an attack the lower extremities of both hind legs of one subject were uniformly swollen, while on the second subject skin lesions erupted 3-4 days after an attack and swelling persisted for 2-3 weeks. Filariform larvae of Strongyloides westeri were cultured from soil and sawdust where the subjects were kept. Larvae were cultured from soil of low pH (4.5-5.8) but were abselnt from neutral or alkaline soils. Larvae were found in sawdust with a wide pH range. It is thought lthat the attacks were caused by a percutaneous invasion of filariform larvae of S. westeri, which requiretd moist warm weather and low pH soils or sawdust to survive and resist desiccation.

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