Leech Infection in Elephants (Parasitic Disease Summary)

DISEASE SUMMARY PAGE

Leech Infection in Elephants:

Summary Information
Diseases / List of Parasitic Diseases / Disease summary
Alternative Names	--
Disease Agents	Leeches, both land leeches and water leeches. (B212.w26, B451.10.w10)
	Infectious Agent(s)	Hirundinea - Leeches (Class)
	Non-infectious Agent(s)	--
	Physical Agent(s)	--
General Description	Leeches (Hirundinea - Leeches (Class)) may be found attached to elephants, including in the trunk. (B114.10.w10, B212.w26, B384.7.w7) Morbidity: Heavy leech infestations can lead to serious blood loss. (B451.10.w10)
Further Information	Transmission: Land leeches hidden in vegetation attach themselves to hosts during the wet season. (B451.10.w10) Prevalence: Leech infection is particularly prevalent in Asia. (B451.10.w10) Leeches are a particular problem during the rainy season in parts of Asia such as Burma. (B212.w26) Treatment: Leeches can be removed from elephants by the traditional method of holding a lighted cheroot (or similar) close to the leech. (B212.w26, B451.10.w10) See also the description in Elephants and their Diseases- A Treatise on Elephants - Part IV - Chapter VIII - Diseases of the Skin (continued) - External Parasites
Associated Techniques	History & Documentation Physical Examination of Mammals Treatment and Care - General Environmental Assessment Necropsy of Mammals Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form Medicating Elephants
Host taxa groups /species	Elephants (Elephantidae - Elephants (Family))

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