Accidental intestinal myiasis caused by Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae in broiler chickens: a field study

Abstract

Broiler chicken’s production considered a very important sector of Egyptian poultry production. Diarrhea is a common problem that Threaten poultry production. There are many causes of broiler chicken’s diarrhea as; nutritional causes, infectious causes (viral, bacterial and parasitic). Larvae rarely infest and cause diarrhea in chickens but if present they irritate intestinal mucosa which causes a secondary bacterial diarrhea. In our investigation, intestinal myiasis was reported as uncommon cause of broiler chicken diarrhea in Egypt. The collected larvae were identified using scanning electron microscope study which revealed that; it is 3rd larval stage of M. domestica; creamy white in color; the length of the larvae ranged from 10-12 mm (10.5 ± 0.3); the anterior end contain the black colored cephalopharyngeal skeleton; the anterior spiracles present in the 2nd segment and had a number ranged from 6 to 8 rounded spiracular openings. The spines present in the group resembles the combs which present in the spinose area. The spinose comb contains from 5 to 9 spines which is small and triangular with slightly tapering ends. The posterior peritremes contain three snake or S- shaped or even tortoise openings; with central button; the peritreme was complete; the distance between the two peritreme ranged from 70- 100 μm in length.