Myiasis in dogs and cats treated in two veterinary clinics in peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Myiasis, a maggot infestation of wounds in animals, is classified into three groups; obligatory, facultative and accidental. For the first time in Sri Lanka, the relationship between occurrence of myiasis in dogs and cats with the temperature, rainfall and humidity pattern was examined. The samples were collected from GVH and VTH. In the retrospective study, 299 myiasis cases were reported of which 295 were of dogs and four were from cats. In July 2014, the number of cases was highest since the temperature and humidity were optimum for maggot growth. No clear relationship was seen between myiasis case reports and rainfall. According to the prospective study, all infestations were due to Chrysomya bezziana. A majority of reported hosts were males of cross-breeds and were between 0-4 years. It is important that the veterinarians educate pet owners with regard to early recognition of wounds and prompt referral to avoid myiasis.