Traditional remedies used for the treatment of cattle wounds and myiasis in Amatola Basin, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

A questionnaire survey was carried out to document traditional remedies used in the treatment of cattle wounds and myiasis in Amatola Basin. Eighty-three cattle farmers from nine villages were interviewed. The majority of respondents (67.9%) use traditional remedies for treatment of these conditions. However, 25.9% of them use a combination of traditional remedies with conventional medicines. The survey revealed that 13 medicinal plants belonging to 11 families were used. Aloe ferox, Prunus persica and Phytolacca heptandra were, however, the most commonly used. Leaves are the most frequently used plant part, often prepared as an infusion. Other non-plant remedies used include disinfectants, antiseptics as well as diesel and petrol. Manual removal of maggots from wounds was also practise and treatment is usually continued until the wound heals.     

Evaluation of efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against larvae of Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The blowfly Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is the primary agent of cutaneous myiasis of sheep in northern Europe, southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. As the application of chemicals has several disadvantages, alternative control measures of traumatic myiasis of livestock must be developed. In this study, the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as potential biocontrol agents against second instar larvae of Lucilia sericata was considered. The following nematode species were tested: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (IS 5, HHU 1, Hmol, HNC 1, HAZ 36, Hbrecon, HHU 2, HAZ 29, HHP 88, HHU 3, HHU 4 and HGua), Steinernema intermedia, NC513 strain of S. glaserii, S. anomali, S. riobrave, Steinernema sp. and 5 strains of S. feltiae (22, Vija Norway, HU 1, scp, and IS 6). None of the examined EPN species or strains showed larvicidal efficacy at 37 degrees C (no killing effect was observed in the case of the two heat-tolerant strains--H. bacteriophora and S.feltiae) against L. sericata larvae. At lower temperatures (20 degrees C and 25 degrees C) only strains of S. feltiae were found to be active. The overall odds ratios calculated for L. sericata maggots to contract S. feltiae nematode infection show significant (p < 0.05) effect only in the case of strains HU 1, 22 and IS 6. In the case of strains HU 1 and 22 parasitic forms of S. feltiae could be detected in the dead larvae of L. sericata. Strain IS 6 (and also Vija Norway at 20 degrees C) penetrated and killed fly larvae, but only adult forms of the nematode occurred in the cadavers.     

Induction of maggot antimicrobial peptides and treatment effect inSalmonella pullorum-infected chickens

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are important components of the host innate immune response, as they exert broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against pathogenic microbes. The AMP allow housefly larva (maggots) to live in harsh environments filled with pathogenic bacteria. In this study, maggot AMP were induced by incubation with inactivatedSalmonella pullorum and crudely extracted. The concentration and antimicrobial activity of the maggot AMP were then measured. In bird experiments, chickens were artificially infected withS. pullorum, and the maggot AMP extracts were used to treat the infected chickens. The expression level of AMP was significantly enhanced byS. pullorum stimulation, and the antibiotic activity of theS. pullorum-induced AMP was significantly stronger than that of the noninduced AMP, especially againstS. pullorum. In the bird experiments, based on survival rate, blood indicators, and intestinal bacterial changes, maggot AMP and antibiotics were successful in treating theS. pullorum-infected chickens. In conclusion, AMP have the potential for further development as a convenient, alternative antibiotic strategy to reduce the use of antibiotics and disease resistance.     

Myiasis in a dog shelter in Greece: epidemiological and clinical features and therapeutic considerations

The paper describes features of myiasis in a cohort of 163 dogs in an animal shelter, monitored over 3.5 years (4 fly activity seasons). Seven dogs (4 males, 3 females) were presented with myiasis; two dogs were presented twice with infestation in different areas of their body. The overall incidence rate (IR) of myiasis was 5.8 cases per 10(3) animal-months at risk, or else 0.0058 case per animal-month at risk. Six cases occurred from May to July and three from August to October, giving IRs of 7.7 per 10(3) animal-months and 3.9 per 10(3) animal-months, respectively, and an IR ratio of 1.97 (P=0.35). Five cases occurred in males and four in females, giving IRs of 7.8 per 10(3) animal months and 4.3 per 10(3) animal-months, respectively, and an incidence rate ratio of 1.78 (P=0.41). Three cases were diagnosed as cutaneous myiasis of the thigh, 2 cases as myiasis of the ear canal, 2 as myiasis of the prepuce, 1 as myiasis of the toes and 1 case as myiasis of the vagina. Median time from entrance into the shelter to infestation was 5 months; it was 1m in three dogs which were injured at entrance of animal into the shelter, but longer (5-15m) in the other four dogs. Larvae were identified as 2nd or 3rd stage instars of Wohlfahrtia magnifica. Signs characteristic of local inflammation, in the affected area of the body, were recorded. Treatment included mechanical removal of larvae, cleansing of the area, administration of injectable moxidectin and a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Complete recovery was achieved within 1.5 months, bar that of preputial infestations which required 2.5 months.     

Myiasis in sheep in The Netherlands

In 1999, among 164 randomly selected Dutch sheep farmers, a questionnaire was carried out to estimate the prevalence of myiasis in sheep and to investigate factors associated with the occurrence of myiasis. The total number of sheep and/or lambs on the reference date 1 August 1999 was 12,200: 5243 ewes, 225 rams, 3393 ewe- and 3339 ram lambs. On 86 (52.4%) of the farms 349 (2.9%) of all sheep and/or lambs contracted myiasis, of which two died. Myiasis was seen significantly more frequently on farms with over 25 ewes compared to smaller farms. Cases of myiasis were detected from April to September, with a peak (47.1%) in August. Occurrence of myiasis was most frequently associated with hot and humid weather and was mainly observed (69.1%) in the area around the tail.Ewes and ewe lambs had significantly more myiasis when compared with rams and ram lambs. There was no relationship with tail docking, with breed, with the time of shearing, with the kind of soil (clay, sand, etc.), with the environment (bush, trees, water, etc.), with the type of treatment (pour on, dipping, spraying), the used insecticides (synthetic pyrethro?ds, diazinon, cyromazin, etc.), the number of preventive treatments, the time of treatment or the number of observations on the herd (once a day, once a week, etc.).     

Preferred food rewards for laying hens in behavioural experiments

1. Laying hens showed a clear preference for maggots over whole grain wheat, feed pellets and other food stuffs in a preference test. 2. Motivation to work for maggots in an operant conditioning task was high and unaffected by periods of food deprivation of up to 6h before testing. 3. By extrapolation, motivation to work for maggots was equivalent to the motivation of the hens to work for their normal ration after approximately 9 h food deprivation. 4. Food deprivation is a common prerequisite for laying hens in operant conditioning and other behavioural techniques but can be avoided if an attractive food, such as maggots, is used. The mild distress associated with the deprivation is thereby removed and, in the UK, the procedure would not require regulation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.     

Does Rhipicephalus microplus tick infestation increase the risk for myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in cattle?

The larval phase of Cochliomyia hominivorax (screwworm) is an obligate parasite of vertebrate animals, particularly mammals, and widespread in South America, where it remains one of the most important parasitic diseases of domestic animals. The skin of cattle highly infested by ticks, with cutaneous lesions, exudation of tissue fluid and blood scent seems to produce the ideal environment for fly attraction. However, an association between these parasites was never investigated. The aim of this work was to verify if there is an association between Rhipicephalus microplus tick load and the occurrence of C. hominivorax myiasis in cattle, and to quantify the risk. Sixty bovine (Bos taurus taurus, Angus breed) under field conditions were observed for 24 weeks, during which weekly tick counts and examination for the presence of myiasis were performed. There was a significant association between a high tick burden (24-week mean above 50 ticks per animal) and myiasis occurrence (P = 0.0102). The calculated relative risk (RR) for C. hominivorax myiasis occurrence in cattle with high tick burden was 3.85 (CI95% = 1.23–12.13); indicating that cattle highly parasitized by R. microplus have about four times more risk of myiasis than those with a low parasite load. As far as we aware, this is the first statistically based evidence of the relationship between R. microplus parasitic load and occurrence of myiasis by C. hominivorax. This result could be useful for the design of integrated control strategies for these parasites and to provide more information for the understanding of cattle tick parasitism in cattle production.     

SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE VULVA IN MERINO SHEEP

Squamous-cell carcinoma of the vulva was observed in 3.1% of Merino ewes up to 3 years old. It is suggested that this high incidence of tumours was related to increased exposure of the perineal region to direct sunlight. It occurred in a group of sheep where short docking of tails and a radical surgical procedure to reduce cutaneous myiasis (Mules' operation) both led to greater exposure of the perineal region. The perineum was also subject to scarring from the operation and to application of organophosphate compounds to control cutaneous myiasis.     

Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) Diptera: Sacrophagidae) causing a vaginal myiasis in domesticated two-humped camels in the Mongolian People's republic]

Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) [Diptera: Sarcophagidae] was established as the causal agent of a vaginal myiasis in female camels in the Mongolian Democratic Republic. Changes of the genitals occur nearly the beginning of June, 4-6 weeks after foaling, a spontaneous recovery is seen at the beginning of October. Clinical signs of the vaginal myiasis and morphology of the three stages of larvae are described in detail.     

Observations on the New World screwworm fly in Libya and the risk of its entrance into Egypt.

Data on traumatic myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in Libya were reported from August 1988 until February 1989. A total of 468 cases of screwworm myiasis were recorded in seven species of livestock and 229 humans, mainly children, were also found to be infested. Cattle and sheep were the most common hosts in livestock. In cattle, the principal infestation site was the umbilicus of neonates; in sheep, it was mainly the fatty tail. Animal myiasis reached its peak in October and November, but disappeared abruptly in winter on the onset of cold weather. Screwworm distribution was confined to the northwest of Libya. The potential dispersion of the fly from this area and the possibility of infestation of other countries, particularly Egypt, are discussed. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) efforts to confront the New World screwworm problem in Africa are mentioned.     

Cuterebrid myiasis (Diptera: Oestridae) in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at a South Carolina zoo

In September 2008, two ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), comprising a mother-daughter pair, at the Greenville Zoo, Greenville, South Carolina, USA, were diagnosed with cuterebrid myiasis (Diptera: Oestridae) subsequent to sudden death of the adult lemur. On necropsy, a single bot warble was discovered in the subcutis of the axillary region. Histopathology revealed a severe eosinophilic bronchopneumonia. The juvenile lemur was inspected and found to have warbles on three separate dates in late September. One representative bot fly larva was identified as a Cuterebra sp. that normally infests lagomorphs in the southeastern United States. Cuterebrid myiasis is rarely reported in lemurs and has not been previously associated with pneumonia or death in these animals.     

A new approach for the diagnosis of myiasis of animals: the example of horse nasal myiasis

The myiasis caused by larvae of Rhinoestrus purpureus and Rhinoestrus usbekistanicus (Diptera, Oestridae) are of importance in the horse medicine since it causes severe respiratory diseases. Therefore an accurate diagnosis of rhinoestrosis is central to its epidemiology and control. This paper describes concisely a molecular diagnostic tool that overcomes the current inherent diagnostic constraints and, therefore, is of importance to understand the actual incidence and epidemiology of this myiasis in live horses.     

Chrysomya bezziana (Diptera: Calliphoridae) infestation in two Malaysian cats treated with oral lotilaner

The most common fly species associated with screwworm myiasis in Southeast Asia is Chrysomya bezziana (Ch. bezziana), the Old‐World screwworm. Treatment of screwworm myiasis in cats traditionally has comprised subcutaneous injection of ivermectin or oral administration of nitenpyram, combined with aggressive tissue debridement and larval removal under general anaesthesia. Two cats diagnosed with cutaneous myiasis caused by the larvae of Ch. bezziana were treated with lotilaner. In both cats, a single dose of lotilaner at 6–26 mg/kg, killed all larvae within 24 h, negating the need for general anaesthesia. Both cats were simultaneously infested with Lynxacarus radovskyi (L. radovskyi) which also was eradicated with lotilaner. No adverse reactions were observed and both cats recovered without complications.     

Retrospective study of Old World screwworm fly (Chrysomya bezziana) myiasis in 59 dogs in Hong Kong over a one year period

This retrospective study examined the case records of Old World screw-worm fly myiasis in dogs in Hong Kong's New Territories. Myiasis due to OWSWF was identified and treated in 59 dogs at our clinic over a period of 1 year. Signalment, causes of initial wound, and treatments implemented, are reported. All cases recovered from myiasis with a combination of larvae removal and wound debridement, antibiotics, and topical and systemic insecticides. Whilst this parasite is currently exotic to Australia, much of the country is environmentally suitable (tropical and subtropical) for establishment of OWSWF.     

History of the screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) eradication in the Eastern Hemisphere

The screwworm caused by Cochliomyia Hominivorax, attacking warm-blooded animals and man, was discovered for the first time in the history outside of American continent, in the Eastern Hemisphere. After confirming the occurrence of this horrible myiasis in North Africa in 1989, Tripoli sheep import quarantine was traced as primary outbreak locality. The myiasis spread rapidly invading vast territory during several months. The invaded territory of 25000 km2 with more than 2.7 million domestic animals was identified between Mediterranean Sea and Sahara desert threatening territories in Africa and Mediterranean basin. From July 1989 up to eradication in April 1991 were discovered 14,111 cases. Classical control methods were not able to block screwworm spreading and eradicate it. Decision was made to use as the main method the sterile insect technique. Irradiated sterile flies were airlifted from Mexico factory. There were dispersed aerially about 1260 million flies covering invaded territories and 15000 km2 of protective barrier zones. Successful program cost almost 100 million US$. After the eradication Africa as well as Eastern Hemisphere could be declared to be again free of this myiasis. It was the most effective and successful international animal health program in the history of the United Nations Organization.     

Ovine cutaneous myiasis: Effects on production and control

Ovine cutaneous myiasis ('fly strike') remains a major sheep health problem in many areas of the world. Myiasis risk is the result of a complex interaction of factors, such as fly and host abundance, host susceptibility, climate and, critically, husbandry and management strategies, all of which change seasonally in space and time. Given the complexity of the interacting factors, changes in myiasis incidence are hard to predict, as accordingly are the optimal husbandry responses required to manage the problem. Here the important risk factors are briefly reviewed and the future changes in myiasis incidence under conditions of anticipated climate change are considered. It is concluded that future work should focus in particular on evaluating the optimum use of integrated management, such as the combination of insecticide and trap use, in different environments under a range of farming regimes.     

马胃蝇蛆病流行病学研究进展

马胃蝇蛆病是由马胃蝇幼虫寄生于马属动物胃肠道内所引起的一种慢性消耗性寄生虫病,导致宿主高度贫血、消瘦、中毒,严重时衰竭死亡。该病呈世界性分布,不同国家因地理位置、气候环境不同及是否广泛使用驱虫药,呈现出不同的流行规律。在中国主要流行于东北、西北及内蒙古等地,流行6种马胃蝇,以肠胃蝇、红尾胃蝇为优势虫种。文章主要对近些年国内外马胃蝇蛆病感染情况进行描述,总结流行规律,提出研究方向,以期为该病的防制提供参考。     

Research Progress on Prevalence of Horse Gastric Myiasis

Horse gastric myiasis is a chronic wasting parasitosis caused by larvae of Gasterophilus spp. parasitics on the gastrointestinal tract of the equids. Horse gastric myiasis leads to host highly anaemic, angular, poisoning even death. This disease is distributes all over the world, each country has a slightly different epidemic law, because of different geographical position and climatic environment, and whether using insect repellent or not. Our country is mainly popular in the Northeast, Northwest and Inner Mongolia, which of 6 kinds of popular horse Gastrophilus, and the dominant species are G. intestinalis and G. nasalis. In this paper,the author described the infections of horse gastric myiasis at home and abroad in recent years, summarized epidemic law and put forward the research direction, so as to provide reference for the disease prevention and control.     

塑料袋闷杀柑桔大实蝇蛆果死亡率调查

探索经济、高效、无污染的杀死柑桔大实蝇幼虫的科学方法。选择塑料袋加杀虫剂[1] [2]与不加杀虫剂闷处柑桔大实蝇蛆果的方法,得出幼虫死亡数据,并采用方差法比较分析。结果显示,塑料袋封口不加药处理和塑料袋封口加药处理,其幼虫死亡率在5天后无显著差异,且经济无污染。在隔绝空气的条件下更易杀死柑桔大实蝇幼虫。     

伊维菌素2种剂型对牦牛皮蝇蛆病的规模防治示范效果观察

为观察伊维菌素浇泼剂、注射剂对牦牛皮蝇蛆病的防治示范效果,选择放牧饲养的牦牛,伊维菌素浇泼剂按0.5mg/kg体重剂量沿背中线浇泼给药,伊维菌素注射剂按0.2mg/kg体重剂量颈部皮下注射给药,同时留未防治的对照群,分别在3、5月份采用触摸法抽样进行防治效果检查。结果:伊维菌素浇泼剂防治示范组牦牛2次检查的皮蝇蛆感染率在1.61%~3.23%之间,平均感染率2.42%,查出瘤疱和皮肤虫孔总数7个,平均感染强度1.75个,感染范围0~2个。2次检查未防治的对照组牦牛皮蝇蛆感染率在33.33%~38.89%之间,平均感染率为36.11%,查出瘤疱和皮肤虫孔总数152个,平均感染强度4.22个,感染范围0~14个。结果表明:伊维菌素浇泼剂防治示范组牦牛皮蝇蛆病治愈率为98.39%,驱虫率99.08%~99.54%,平均驱虫率99.31%;伊维菌素注射剂防治示范组牦牛皮蝇蛆病治愈率在98.39%~100.0%之间,平均治愈率为99.20%,驱虫率98.62%~100.0%,平均驱虫率99.31%。2种剂型的推荐剂量均达到了高效安全,可在高寒牧区牦牛皮蝇蛆病防治中推广应用。