Comparison among therapeutic protocols for stephanofilariasis in dairy cows

Abstract

Stephanofilariaisis is a disease caused by the nematode Stephanofilaria, transmitted by flies, that determines a chronic dermatitis in the udder of lactating cows. The prevalence is higher in summer. Different treatment options have already been tested with varying results. The aim of this work was compare the efficacy of four topical treatment protocols. Naturally affected dairy cows suffering from characteristic udder skin lesion were distributed by four groups of treatment: G1 (n=11) 1% ivermectin; G2 (n=10) 2% ivermectin; G3 (n=10) 6% trichlorfon; and G4 (n=11) 6% trichlorfon plus pour on ivermectin. The ointments were applied in the wounds twice a day until the complete healing. The pour on ivermectin was applied once in the beginning of the treatment and repeated 42 days late. The wound area was measured before the start of the therapy and every seven days until the complete recovery. There were no treatment differences considering the initial area of the wound (p = 0,820), the length of time required to recovery (p = 0,168), and the daily decrease in the area of the wound (p = 0,817). All four treatment protocols tested were successful and the outcome was reached in all cows. The treatment with 6% trichlorfon in vaseline oitment was more profitable showing the better cost-benefit relation.