Seasonal occurrence and distribution of Gasterophilus intestinalis and Gasterophilus nasalis in the stomachs of equids in Texas.
Abstract: Stomachs of 271 horses and ponies from 2 sources were evaluated for the presence of Gasterophilus intestinalis and G nasalis larvae, through 2 overlapping 12-month periods of bot fly activity in southern Texas. Equids (n = 140) from one source had nearly 96% of their stomachs infected, whereas equids (n = 131) from another source had 44% of their stomachs infected by Gasterophilus spp. Seasonal dynamics of the bot infection indicated the highest average number of bot larvae per infected stomach occurred in the winter and spring. The smallest average number of bots per infected stomach occurred in the fall. Higher percentages of early (2nd instar plus young 3rd instar) larvae of G intestinalis were observed in the fall in equids from both sources. The late (more fully developed older 3rd instar) G intestinalis larvae outnumbered the early larvae in the winter, spring, and summer. Seasonal variation in numbers and development status of the larvae was consistent with the largest period of adult bot fly activity occurring during the fall. The 2 species of bots had different predilection sites of attachment. Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae concentrated in the nonglandular portions of the stomach near the margo plicatus on the cranial (parietal) surface of the stomach and in the most dorsal extent of the saccus cecus. Gasterophilus nasalis larvae attached almost exclusively in the first ampulla of the duodenum. Predilection sites for both Gasterophilus spp occurred in dorsally positioned areas in the alimentary tract favoring increased availability of oxygen.
Publication Date: 1987-08-01 PubMed ID: 3631711
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research paper studies the seasonal occurrence and distribution of two species of bot fly larvae, Gasterophilus intestinalis and Gasterophilus nasalis, in the stomachs of horses and ponies in southern Texas.
Research Methodology
- The research spanned over two overlapping 12-month periods of bot fly activity.
- It focused on 271 horses and ponies from two distinct sources for evaluation.
- The stomachs of these equines were examined for the presence of G. intestinalis and G. nasalis larvae.
Major Findings
- Almost 96% of the stomachs in equids from one source were infected with these larval species, while 44% of the equids from the second source displayed infections.
- The infection dynamics indicated that the average number of larvae per infected stomach was highest during the winter and spring months.
- In contrast, the average number of larvae per infected stomach was at its lowest during the fall.
- The research highlighted a higher percentage of early development stage larvae (or 2nd instar plus young 3rd instar) of G. intestinalis during the fall season in both equid sources.
- More mature (or late 3rd instar) larvae were found primarily during the winter, spring, and summer seasons.
Bot Fly Activity and Larvae Development
- The observed seasonal variation in larvae numbers and their development was in line with the major activity period of the adult bot fly, which was recorded during the fall.
- The predilection sites or preferred area for larvae attachment differed between the two species investigated.
- G. intestinalis larvae were typically found in the nonglandular areas of the stomach, near the margo plicatus, and in the dorsal extent of the saccus caecus.
- G. nasalis larvae, on the other hand, were observed predominately in the first ampulla of the duodenum.
- Both species preferred to attach in dorsally positioned areas within the alimentary tract, which allowed for better access to oxygen.
Cite This Article
APA
Price RE, Stromberg PC.
(1987).
Seasonal occurrence and distribution of Gasterophilus intestinalis and Gasterophilus nasalis in the stomachs of equids in Texas.
Am J Vet Res, 48(8), 1225-1232.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Myiasis / epidemiology
- Myiasis / pathology
- Myiasis / veterinary
- Seasons
- Stomach Diseases / epidemiology
- Stomach Diseases / parasitology
- Stomach Diseases / pathology
- Stomach Diseases / veterinary
- Texas
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Mukbel R, Torgerson PR, Abo-Shehada M. Seasonal variations in the abundance of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in donkeys in northern Jordan. Trop Anim Health Prod 2001 Dec;33(6):501-9.
- Höglund J, Ljungström BL, Nilsson O, Lundquist H, Osterman E, Uggla A. Occurrence of Gasterophilus intestinalis and some parasitic nematodes of horses in Sweden. Acta Vet Scand 1997;38(2):157-65.
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