Neck Threadworm (Onchocerca species)

The larvae (which are called microfilariae) live in the tissue under the skin and are ingested by midges as they feed, they can also congregate in the eye tissue causing infections. The adult worms live in the tendons and ligaments. They are long and coiled in shape with the males being around 6cm in length and females being around 30cm in length.  Neck Threadworms have to depend on an intermediate host, the biting midge - Culicoides spp. (Insecta: Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)  to get to the horse. The neck threadworm microfilariae live just under the horse's skin and wait to be ingested up by a visiting midge. Once inside the midge they develop to the infective larvae L3 stage within 24-25 days. When the midge bites another horse the neck threadworms the larvae migrate to the ligaments in the neck and also to the flexor tendons and suspensory ligaments particular the forelegs.

Symptoms include: Sores along the topline, along the stomach, sores, irritation and swelling around the eyes.
Uveitis - This occurs when there are large quantities of dead microfilariae in the eye which causes the dead to give off large amounts of antigens which cause inflammation in the eye.

A constant water stream out of the eye or eyes often along with a white or yellow mucous in the eye on a regular basis.
Hair loss around the head and neck area.
Swelling around Ligaments.
Swelling around tendons.
Lameness.
Lumps under the horses skin on the ligaments.

Blindness can occur if the infection around the eye is severe or if treatment is delayed.

Dead microfilaria are often more itchy than live ones, so horses may show signs after they have been wormed 

Neck threadworm is one of the few parasites of horses that involve an intermediate host in this case that host is the midge so in theory this should not be such an issue in the colder months nor in general in colder climates such as the UK.  I personally have yet to hear of a confirmed diagnosis in the UK but climates change and  issues can go unnoticed or unconfirmed. 

This process of ingestion, infection, biting, transmission, larvae production, adult development and subsequent larvae production completes the cycle but for the problem to persist midges must be present.  With that in mind and regarding the general  issues caused by biting midges  in the UK  perhaps early applications of something like Z Itch (http://shop.wormers-direct.co.uk/zitch-250ml-p-130.html)  may be a good idea before the midge season and then throughout the warmer months.

SH Wetherald

E-SQP