Management of myiasis: current status and future prospects

The management of myiasis in livestock has been an example of the success of modern chemical approaches for parasite control, yet in some cases remains extremely intractable, requiring the development of novel strategies. In addition, the growing and urgent need to develop integrated strategies that enhance the sustainability of livestock production systems drives the search for new techniques [see Int. J. Parasitol. 29 (1999) 7].The following summary represents a synthesis of a symposium presented at the 19th International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, New Orleans,USA, 10–14 August 2003. The coverage began with a review of the need for more subtle economic analysis of the impact of myiasis based on the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) for control of bovine hypodermosis in North America. This was followed by a review of the status of chemical control with particular emphasis on the macrocyclic lactones. The outcome of the use of these compounds in a regulated control program for eradication of bovine hypodermosis in EU was surveyed. Similarly, the success of the screwworm eradication program, using the sterile insect technique has shown how effective this approach can be given the appropriate target. Several aspects of the development of newer approaches were surveyed in discussion of newer chemical control products, development of vaccines, use of host genetics, use of predictive simulation modelling and trapping for monitoring and control and the development of new diagnostic approaches for occult infestations. Finally, use of the latest molecular tools for identification of larvae causing myiasis and their use for the identification of species coming from different and distant geographical areas to colonize regions where they have been eradicated was reviewed.