[Myiasis in domestic animals in Israel].

This study examined maggot infestations (myiasis) in 78 domestic animals in Israel, identified the fly species involved, and reported treatment outcomes. It also documented two first-time records: a dog co-infested by Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya albiceps, and the presence of Wohlfahrtia magnifica in a cat.

Background and Purpose

• Myiasis is the infestation of live animals by fly larvae that feed on tissues, often in wounds; it is a common welfare and health issue in veterinary practice.
• The study aimed to identify the species of dipteran (fly) larvae causing wound myiasis in domestic animals in Israel, summarize affected hosts, and report clinical outcomes.
• A secondary aim was to note any unusual or first-record host–parasite associations of epidemiological or clinical interest.

Study Design and Methods

• Larvae were collected from wounds of 78 domestic animals presented for care in Israel.
• Specimens were identified to species level, allowing assignment of each case to specific fly taxa.
• Animals received standard veterinary management, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and insecticides; recovery was monitored.

Key Findings

• Wohlfahrtia magnifica:
  • Recovered from dogs (the majority of cases), goats, sheep, camels, horses, and one cat.
  • Represents the most frequently encountered species in this series and a broad host range.
• Lucilia sericata:
  • Recovered from cats, sheep, one horse, and one dog.
  • In the dog case, L. sericata was present together with Chrysomya albiceps (a mixed-species infestation).
• Chrysomya albiceps:
  • Detected in combination with L. sericata in one dog, highlighting co-infestation potential.
• Przhevalskiana silenus:
  • Recovered from goats, consistent with this species’ known association with caprines.
• Musca domestica:
  • Recovered from one sheep, indicating that even common houseflies can be involved in wound-associated myiasis under suitable conditions.
• Clinical outcomes:
  • Animals were treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and insecticides; most fully recovered.

Novel Contributions

• First documented co-infestation of a dog by L. sericata and C. albiceps.
• First record of W. magnifica occurring in a cat in this context.
• Provides a multi-host snapshot of myiasis-causing flies in Israel, expanding regional veterinary entomology data.

Interpretation and Context

• Wohlfahrtia magnifica is a major cause of traumatic/wound myiasis in the Mediterranean region; its dominance here aligns with known ecology and its capacity to exploit diverse mammalian hosts.
• Lucilia sericata (a common blowfly) typically causes facultative wound myiasis; its presence across multiple species underscores the importance of wound hygiene.
• Chrysomya albiceps can be an aggressive secondary invader; its co-occurrence with L. sericata suggests overlapping ecological niches and the potential for synergistic tissue damage.
• Przhevalskiana silenus is classically associated with goats; its detection is consistent with established host specificity in the region.
• Identification of M. domestica from a sheep wound emphasizes that opportunistic species may contribute to myiasis when conditions permit.

Clinical Management and Outcomes

• Therapy comprised systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and insecticides; this multimodal approach is consistent with controlling infection, inflammation, and larval burden.
• Most animals recovered fully, indicating favorable prognosis when cases are recognized and treated promptly.
• Mixed-species infestations may complicate lesion severity and should be considered during diagnosis and treatment planning.

Limitations

• The report is based on cases presenting for care, which may introduce selection bias and underrepresent subclinical or remote-area cases.
• The abstract does not specify temporal (seasonal) or geographic breakdowns within Israel, limiting inference about risk periods or hotspots.
• Quantitative breakdown of species prevalence within the 78 cases is not provided beyond noting the majority host for W. magnifica.

Implications for Veterinary Practice and Surveillance

• Awareness: Clinicians in Israel and similar climates should consider W. magnifica as a leading cause of wound myiasis across multiple domestic species.
• Prevention: Prompt wound care and environmental fly control are essential, especially during peak fly activity seasons.
• Diagnosis: Be alert to possible mixed-species larval infestations, which may influence lesion progression and treatment response.
• Surveillance: Documenting host–parasite associations supports targeted control strategies and informs regional risk assessments.

Future Directions

• Systematic, seasonal surveillance to map species abundance and peak risk periods across Israel.
• More detailed case-level data (lesion characteristics, time to recovery, specific treatments) to refine clinical guidelines.
• Molecular identification to complement morphology, especially in mixed infestations or early instar larvae.
• Evaluation of preventive measures (e.g., topical repellents, environmental sanitation) and their cost-effectiveness across species.