Cutaneous Filariasis in Free-Ranging Rothschild's Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) in Uganda

Abstract

Abstract: Across Africa, wild giraffes suffer from a variety of skin disorders of mostly unknown etiology. With their populations already threatened from anthropogenic factors, it is important to understand infectious disease risks to giraffes. Here we describe filarid parasites and a portion of their genetic sequence associated with skin disease in Rothschild's giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) in Uganda.