• Hemorrhagic Filariasis Dermatitis of Elephants
• Filariasis of Elephants

• A Stephanofilaria sp. isolated from an Indian elephant in Assam was tentatively named Stephanofilaria srivastavai. Average length of females was 7.7 mm, width at the middle of the body was 120 - 153 microns, the vulva was found at 89 - 94 microns from the anterior end and the cuticle on the whole body length was prominently transversely striated. The posterior end of the female was straight while the anterior end "had the characteristic structure of the genus". (J328.36.w1)

• In Elephas maximus - Asian Elephant, an unidentified Stephanofilaria was recorded from skin lesions [no further details provided] of the abdomen. (J287.8.w1) 
  • Lesions in cattle due to Stephanofilaria spp. are described as "hump-sore." They are characterised by "pruritis, loss of hair, exudation, granulation, ulceration and incrustation, depending on the stage." (J287.8.w1)
  • "Ear-sore" Stephanofilaria lesions in buffalos involve "congestion, exudation, incrustation, loss of hair, ulceration, haemorrhage and depigmentation." (J287.8.w1)
• In an adult (32 years old) female Elephas maximus - Asian Elephant:
  • An ulcerative lesion developed on the toes of the elephant's left hind foot; the area was painful when pressed hard. The elephant had shown pruritis with frequent scratching of this area for 15 days prior to the lesion being detected. An additional lesion, of itchy dermatitis, was present on the right side of the abdomen. (P502.1.w1)
  • Three weeks later, following weekly intramuscular long-acting penicillin injections and local application of a herb ointment (Himax ointment), there was no significant improvement and pruritic ulcerative lesions were now found on the toes of the right hind foot and the heels of both hind feet, together with cracks on the soles and some abscesses on the top surface of the affected toes; the elephant limped when walking. On the body there were several patches of dermatitis: hyperkeratosis, minor cracks and small nodules were present. (P502.1.w1)
• In an adult male Asian elephant in Assam, India, a single sore, on the left side of the elephant's back, was found, 1.0 by 0.5 inches (2.5 by 1.25 cm) in diameter, crusted, with sticky pus under the crust. The lesion under this pus was red and described as rich in blood and lymph. (J328.36.w1)

• Diagnosis is based on detection of filaria or microfilaria in deep skin scrapings of lesions, and identification of these. 
  • Microfilariae, morphologically resembling microfilaria of Stephanofilaria spp., were found in small numbers in deep skin scrapings from affected toes collected in normal saline, and in smears of oozing blood. Diagnosis was made on the basis of this finding together with the case history, appearance of lesions and lack of response to antibiotic therapy. (P502.1.w10)
  • Female Stephanofilaria were found in deep skin scrapings from a lesion on a male elephant in Assam, India. (J328.36.w10)

Treatment:

• Lesions were thoroughly cleaned by brushing with soap and water, dried, and an ointment of 8% metrifonate (anthelmintic) in a base of vaseline or Himax ointment (Indian Herbs). Clinical resolution occurred following 22 days of treatment with 8% metrifonate in vaseline or 15 days of treatment with 8% metrifonate in Himax (herb ointment). The disease did not recur in the year following treatment. (P502.1.w10)
• Treatments for Stephanofilaria sp.-associated lesions in other species have included: (J287.8.w1)
  • Surgical removal or cautery of the lesion, followed by standard treatment for wounds; (J287.8.w1)
  • Topical application of antiparasiticide agents (organophosphate compounds such as malathion, trichlorphon or fentrothion); (J287.8.w1)
  • Petroleum jelly which when applied to lesions appears to "check the severity of lesions and even to cure mild ear-sore lesions, possibly by preventing reinfection." (J287.8.w1) 

• 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

• Elephas maximus - Asian Elephant

(List does not contain all other species groups affected by this disease)