Epidemiological determinants of Chrysomya (Diptera: calliphoridae) infestation in layer farms of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Leandro Do Carmo Rezende,Tiago Mendonça De Oliveira,Cristina Mara Teixeira,Nelson Rodrigo Da Silva Martins,Marcos Xavier Silva,Paulo Roberto De Oliveira,Lucas Maciel Cunha

doi:10.14393/bj-v35n5a2019-42325

Abstract

Aspects related to the epidemiology of Diptera belonging to genus Chrysomya were studied in order to determine predisposing factors for their occurrence in commercial laying hens farms from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. An observational, analytical and sectional survey was conducted to verify the main epidemiological determinants of infestations by Chrysomya spp. Forty-three farms were visited in 2012 and these 13 (30,23%) were infested by Chrysomya putoria, 4 (9,30%) by Chrysomya megacephala and 2 (4,65%) by Chrysomya albiceps and in 2 farms (4,65%) was not possible to identify the species of Chrysomya. The epidemiological determinants for the occurrence of infestations by Chrysomya spp. were investigated using multiple logistic regression models. Housing clustering type and its conditions were important factors involved in epidemiology of these species (OR=5.05, 95% CI = 2.66 to 9.58, p = 0.000). It was also observed that the increase of the humidity of manure leads to increase chances of infestations (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.36 to 2.40, p = 0.000). The presence of the beetle “lesser mealworm” (Alphitobius diaperinus) (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.067 to 0.36, p = 0.000) was characterized as a protective factor against infestations, probably due to predation behavior of the beetle. Some regions of the state were characterized as lower risk areas for Chrysomya spp. infestation as compared to other regions. Management measures, such as constant monitoring of water leaks on manure, adequate composting of dead poultry and periodic removal of manure could assist in decreasing the presence of Chrysomya spp. inside the laying houses.

Highlights

The characteristics of systems of laying hens breeding in brazilian poultry farms lead to accumulation of manure, which is an excellent substrate for the development of synanthropic flies (LOPES et al, 2008)
The species Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), known as ‘oriental latrine blowfly’ and Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1830), known as ‘african latrine blowfly’, have been reported in environments associated with poultry production in Brazil (MONTEIRO; PRADO, 2000; LOPES et al, 2007)
The most abundant specie was C. putoria, which was found in 30.23% of farms, followed by C. megacephala, which occurred in almost 10% of the farms

Summary

Introduction

The characteristics of systems of laying hens breeding in brazilian poultry farms lead to accumulation of manure, which is an excellent substrate for the development of synanthropic flies (LOPES et al, 2008). Flies use the food debris, dead animals, broken eggs and accumulated manure to survive (NUORTEVA, 1963; PECK; ANDERSON, 1970; PRADO, 2003). Muscoid diptera are considered important vectors of pathogens for humans and other animals, due their eating, reproductive and synanthropic behavior. Those arthropods have ability to movement and fly long distances (BARREIRO et al, 2013; BLAAK et al, 2014). The species Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), known as ‘oriental latrine blowfly’ and Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1830), known as ‘african latrine blowfly’, have been reported in environments associated with poultry production in Brazil (MONTEIRO; PRADO, 2000; LOPES et al, 2007)

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