Toxicological hazards in warble fly eradication programmes

This paper reviews the experience of the last decade involving the large-scale use of systemic organophosphorus insecticides for the control of the warble fly (Hypoderma spp.). The information is drawn from the so far unique national eradication programme in Eire and from other countries where these products have been widely used.An attempt is made to differentiate between direct toxic effects of the drug used, reactions due to parasite destruction, and disease processes circumstantially associated with the treatment.It is emphasized that, for an eradication programme to be successful, several criteria must be met. (1) The stock owners must clearly recognize the slight, but always present, toxicological hazard. Such toxicities are not always easy to anticipate or diagnose. (2) Adequate compensation must be available to satisfy genuine claims for death or financial loss. (3) An efficient and acceptable service must be available to investigate complaints quickly and effectively.