Myiasis In Livestock

Myiasis, derived from the Greek word "mya" meaning fly, was originally introduced to describe diseases in humans caused by dipterous larvae. It is now defined as the infestation of living vertebrates, including humans and animals, by these larvae. Flies that cause myiasis remain among the most destructive insects globally, leading to severe impacts on livestock, with economic consequences such as decreased milk production, weight loss, fertility problems, and lower hide quality. The dipterous larvae may feed on living or dead tissue, bodily fluids, or ingested food, leading to a variety of infestations depending on the location on the body and their interaction with the host. Myiasis can occur in various parts of the body, such as the eyes, intestines, mouth, nose, urogenital tract, and brain, where the larvae feed on dead or living tissues, ingested food, or body fluids. The calliphorid fly Chrysomya bezziana is the commonest etiologic agent, along with other blow flies. The treatment comprises mechanical removal of maggots, surgical debridement of the infested wound, intensive rinsing with antiseptic solutions, and dressing.