The Progression of Myiasis and Management in The Free Ranging Cattle Of Tamil Nadu In India

Myiasis is a parasitic infection on cattle due to maggot of various parasitic fly larvae and causes severe damage in the tissues of its affected area in animals particularly in the free-ranging cattle. This article provides information on prevalence, causes and consequences of myiasis in the indigenous Bargur cattle of Bargur Hills in the Anthiyur Taluk of Erode Tamil Nadu. The ectoparasites fly’s species belongs to families namely Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae usually lay eggs on the skin surface of the cattle after hatching larvae feed on living tissues, causing irritation, pain, and tissue damage and serve as a portal of entry for secondary bacterial infections. The secondary bacterial infections lead to complications such as abscesses, cellulitis, fasciitis, sepsis, and toxemia. Effective animal husbandry management strategies such as prompt antimicrobial treatment, and integrated pest management practices are crucial for mitigating the effect control measures for meiosis and improvement of animal husbandry practices such as proper nutrition, hydration, and shelter can also reduce the susceptibility of cattle to maggot infestation.