New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) myiasis in feral swine of Uruguay: One Health and transboundary disease implications

• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04499-z
• Publication Date: 2021-01-07T12:03:47Z
• Authors: Martín Altuna; Paul V. Hickner; Gustavo Castro; Santiago Mirazo; Adalberto A. Pére...; Alex P. Arp
• Keywords: Cochliomyia hominivorax

Abstract Background Feral swine ( Sus scrofa ) are highly invasive and threaten animal human health in the Americas. The screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax is listed by World Organization for Animal Health as a notifiable infestation because myiasis cases affect livestock, wildlife, humans endemic areas, outbreaks can have major socioeconomic consequences regions where has been eradicated. However, knowledge gap exists on of feral South America, endemic. Here, we report harvested Artigas Department (Uruguay), Republic Uruguay shares borders with Brazil Argentina. Methods Myiasis caused larvae were identified support collaboration members local hunting club over 3-year period Artigas. Harvested examined presence lesions maggots causing could be sampled processed taxonomic identification. sites body infested geospatial data each case recorded. sex relative size also Temperature precipitation profiles region obtained from public sources. Results Myiases screwworms recorded 27 618 harvested. Cases detected males weighing > 40 kg associated wounds that, due to their location, likely aggressive dominance behavior between adult males. overall prevalence was ambient temperature, but not precipitation. Case numbers peaked warmer spring summer months. Conclusions This first America. In contrast cattle, which reach deep into host tissues, tended cause superficial infestation. areas represents challenge management those areas. Screwworm populations maintained may contribute rural Uruguay, highlights importance One approach study this species–ectoparasite interaction. Graphical