Neck Threadworms
(Filarid worms)
Scientific Name:	ONCHOCERCA CERVICALIS

Life Cycle:

1. The horse's skin is home to the neck threadworm microfilariae. Microfilariae (mi-cro-fil-ar-e-i) are microscopic worms that are transmitted through biting insects.

2. Gnatlike flies, called midges, will bite the horse and pick-up the threadworm microfilariae that are in the skin.

3. Once ingested, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae while in the midge's mouth.

4. When the midge bites a horse again the larvae are deposited into the bite wound where they will migrate to the horse's neck ligaments, flexor tendons and suspensory ligaments.

Damage Caused:

1. Adult neckworms in the ligaments and tendons will cause swelling and pain.

2. Microfilariae may invade the lens of the eye, causing irritation, swelling and at times blindness.

3. Micrfilariae may also cause skin irritations.