Occurrence and biology of goat warble fly infestation by Przhevalskiana silenus (Diptera, Oestridae) in Iran

Abstract

Goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) by the larvae of Przhevalskiana silenus is endemic in goats of semi-hilly and mountainous regions of Iran. This myiasis has severe economic impact on tanning industries, and it is responsible for impaired milk and meat production, growth retardation and carcass depreciation. To estimate the prevalence of GWFI in the southern areas of Iran, from October 2006 to December 2008, the carcasses of 8000 goats at a Shiraz slaughterhouse and 1000 each at Marvdasht and Darab cities were examined weekly for the presence of P. silenus larvae. In addition, appropriate sections from the skin and subcutaneous tissues were processed for histopathological investigation. The prevalence rate of infestation in different cities varied from 7.0% to 18.9% and the minimum and maximum infestation rate was 3 and 78, with an average rate of infestation of 26.2 warbles per animal. Significant differences were observed in the prevalence among different age groups with no significant difference between male and female animals. First instar larvae (L 1) were found on infected animals from early August to end of September, second larval stage (L 2) from early October to end of November and third-stage larvae (L 3) from early December to mid-March. No larvae were found on skin or subcutaneous tissues from end of March to late July. Live L 1 initiated mild lymphocyte, macrophage and eosinophil infiltration while dead L 1 initiated granulomatous or pyogranulomatous reactions. Live L 2 induced severe inflammatory reaction and massive tissue necrosis, which continued for L 3 and until the end of infestation phase. The subcutaneous tissues, dermis and epidermis became necrotic and fragmented, and L 3 penetrated the necrotic area to start its aerobic life cycle.