[The aberrant parasitism of horse botflies (Diptera: Gasterophilidae)].

The research outlines and discusses the case of a mass aberrant parasitism of horse botflies in specific provinces during the years 1980-1981 and 1987. The researchers point out that it resulted from high aggregation of botfly larvae, which caused Gasterophilus pecorum larvae to remain in nonspecific places leading to serious ill-health effects in horses.

Overview of the Research

• The study focuses on the unusual parasitism of horse botflies, more specifically the Gasterophilus pecorum species. These flies, normally found in horses, were observed to be in locations that were not typical for their survival and development.
• These locations were specifically the oral cavity and pharynx of the horses, where they were not only surviving but also adapting and developing as normal.

Observations and Findings

• The research took place on horse farms in Astrakhan, Guryev and Uralsk Provinces, and in the Kalmyk ASSR during the years 1980-1981 and 1987.
• During this time, a high intensity of botfly larvae infection was observed in the horses, alongside cases of aberrant parasitism, which were unexpectedly high.
• The horse botfly larvae were found in abnormal places due to intense competition among the species for the usual habitats.
• Under these circumstances, G. pecorum larvae were forced to inhabit non-specific locations such as the oral cavity and pharynx of horses, where the number of such larvae varied from 260 to 750 specimens.
• This deviation in habitat led to the adaptation of the larvae to these new environments, resulting in their normal development.

Implications and Consequences

• This case of mass aberrant parasitism had a significant impact on the health status of the horses in these farms.
• The abnormal presence of G. pecorum larvae in the mentioned parts of the horse’s digestive system caused severe disease in horses, as these are not their natural habitat.
• The changes in behavior and habitats of parasites such as G. pecorum can thus have significant implications for the health and wellbeing of horses, leading to serious health complications.