Canine Myiasis and its Causal Agents in India

Myiasis, the invasion of tissues of live humans and vertebrate animals with dipteran larvae is common throughout the tropical regions of the world. It is a real welfare problem of worldwide distribution and a matter of great concern among medical and veterinary fields. The reports indicate that dogs are the most common canine species affected by myiasis. The present study was conducted to ascertain prevalence of myiasis among pet dogs and to identify myiasis-causing flies in India. The study resulted in the identification of three species of myiasis causing flies among pet dogs. The Old World Screw-worm fly- Chrysomya bezziana was reported to be the predominant fly species followed by Musca domestica and Sarcophaga ruficornis. The overall infestation rate was high in rainy season followed by summer, spring, autumn and least in winter. Incidence of myiasis was found to be higher among adult males than the females. The most frequently infested body regions were the face, neck and perianal region among males and face, neck and vulvar lips among females. Most infestations were found in the wounds at front body parts of the adult males, suggesting the common occurrence of myiasis in consequence of competitive fighting.