Classification

Taxonomy

• Several species of the genus Stephanofilaria have been described as causing disease in animals.
• Stephanofilaria stilesi has been described based on the asymmetry of the cephalic armature, the size of the left spicule of the male and the distance of the vulva from the anterior end of the female.

Etymology

• Stephanofilaria stilesi are small, approximately 3-6 mm nematodes which are found in the dermis of the skin of affected animals.

Distribution

• The first reported case in North America occurred in 1934. Subsequently, cases have been reported throughout the USA with cases initially seen in young (8-9 month old) beef cattle in Western and South Western regions, the Hawaiian Islands, Canada, Guyana in South America and Southern regions of Russia.
• Clinical disease similar to Stephanofilaria stilesi has been reported in cattle in Queensland, Australia.

Significance

• Production losses and compromised animal welfare from inflammation and lesions of the skin and fly worry associated with clinical disease.
• Skin lesions devalue the hides of infected animals.
• Typically, multiple animals are affected.