Fly Infestation (Myiasis)

Abstract

Myiasis is an infestation of living animals with dipteran fly larvae. Fly eggs laid on moist skin or in wounds hatch into larvae that secrete proteolytic enzymes and digest tissue, thus extending the damage; this can involve the eyes, ears, nasal and oral cavities, skin, alimentary tract, and urogenital tract. Myiasis occurs in domestic and wild animals, especially those emaciated. Diagnosis is mainly based on direct visualization of larvae on the skin and damaged tissue and the presence of flies in animal environments. Treatment can be achieved by: a) Correcting underlying conditions, b) Cleaning of wounds and removal of necrotic tissue and fly larvae, c) Treatment of maggots, e.g., by subcutaneous injection of Ivermectin at a dose of 0.2 to 0.4 mg/kg BW or by other larvicidal antiparasitic drugs, and d) Daily wound management; antibiotics may be used to prevent secondary infections.