First report on nasal myiasis in an alpaca \u201cVicugna pacos\u201d \u2013 a case report

Teresa Maria Punsmann,Carolin Reckmann,Martin Ganter,Cornelia Schwennen,Matthias Gerhard Wagener,Lucie Marie Grimm

doi:10.1186/s12917-018-1706-7

Teresa Maria Punsmann, Carolin Reckmann + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-018-1706-7

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Abstract

BackgroundAn infestation of bot fly larvae causes myiasis which is known to cause respiratory symptoms in ruminants. There are reports of bot fly larvae in llamas, but to our knowledge there are no previous reports of nasal myiasis due to bot flies in alpacas (“Vicugna pacos”).Case presentationThe following case report describes a neutered male alpaca showing sneezing and mild nasal discharge. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract revealed bot fly larvae in one nostril. After treatment with doramectin, there was no evidence of living bot fly larvae visible in the nostril.ConclusionBot fly larvae should be considered as a potential cause of respiratory symptoms in alpacas. In the present case, a treatment with doramectin was successful.

Highlights

BackgroundIn New World camelids bot flies play a role causing parasite-induced respiratory symptoms [1]
An infestation of bot fly larvae causes myiasis which is known to cause respiratory symptoms in ruminants
No larvae were found in the stable, so the species could not be identified. Both bot fly species which have been found in llamas (Cephenemyia spp. and Oestrus ovis) occur in Germany

Summary

Background

In New World camelids bot flies play a role causing parasite-induced respiratory symptoms [1]. As there are only few described cases of myiasis caused by bot flies in New World camelids recommendations for treatment are rare. To date a treatment with doramectin against bot fly larvae in New World camelids has not been described, while in sheep. Punsmann et al BMC Veterinary Research (2018) 14:384 it is described as an effective drug against Oestrus ovis at a dosage of 200 μg/kg [6] This case report gives the first clinical description of bot flies in an alpaca. Due to the tension of the alpaca, the examination was conducted under general anaesthesia In the endoscopy before the treatment with doramectin no larvae could be removed and, in addition, no larvae were sneezed out, so species of the bots could not be determined

Discussion

Conclusion