Estimating colonization time of maggots infesting wounds in dogs: three case studies

Abstract

Forensic entomology is a key means of solving crimes related to both humans and animals by estimating the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI) or minimum time of colonization (mTOC). In Sri Lanka, this is the first attempt to estimate mTOC of the myiasis-causing fly Chrysomya bezziana (Villeneuve) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in animal wounds using accumulated degree days (ADD). This study focuses on three dog myiasis cases reported to two veterinary clinics in Peradeniya, 2015. The mTOC is calculated for all three dog cases at temperature 38.8 °C which is the normal body rectal temperature of the dog. Based on the results, all infestations were due to a single fly species, C. bezziana and the ADD calculations suggest female C. bezziana flies have laid the eggs six days prior to the removal of C. bezziana larvae from the wounds. The present study highlights the importance and application of insect evidence to solve crime cases related to myiasis.