A Clinical report on risks associated with myiasis in domestic animals and comparative success of different treatments applied on myiasis cases

Abstract

Myiasis is a common skin infestation of domesticated animals in poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, advanced ages mostly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. A study was undertaken to determine the risks associated with myiasis in domesticated animals at the SAQ Teaching Veterinary Hospital (SAQTVH) in Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong and the Upazilla Veterinary Hospital (UVH) located at Manirampur, Jessore during January to March 2017. Twenty cases were selected as myiasis positive by clinical examination. Information about the cases was gathered from the owners using a questionnaire. Conditions were recorded as per communication with owners. Treatment and therapeutic efficacy following interventions were recorded. Among the total cases selected, 14 were recorded at SAQTVH (70%) and 6 in UVH (30%). Myiasis positive cases were mostly observed in goats (75%), but 20% were in cattle and 5% in sheep. Among the cases in goats and cattle, 60% and 75%, respectively, were in the cross-bred animals, suggesting its higher prevalence in the cross-bred goats and cattle compared with the indigenous ones. The prevalence of myiasis in goats of more than six months of age was 53.33%, proportionately higher than its occurrence in the younger goats. Among the cases in goats and cattle variation in sexes was noticed as 60% caprine cases were in the male animals while 75% were in the female bovine animals. The body sites, which were found commonly affected, included vaginal and preanal regions followed by feet and tail. Ten animals (50% cases) were treated with ivermectin and another 10 with turpentine oil. The animals were followed up for up to 5 days and 95% of the cases were found to be recovered from myiasis with either of the treatments, suggesting no significant difference in the efficacy.