Traumatic myiasis in animals from Iraq: a five years (2019-2023) survey, and a comprehensive epidemiological overview

The present study surveyed traumatic myiasis cases admitted to the governmental Veterinary hospitals (belonging to the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture) distributed throughout Iraq, between 2019 and 2023, and highlights the epidemiological changes occurred in comparison to the previous situation. A total of 916 cases were detected in various animals from nine governorates, with an annual average of 183.2 cases/year, which is lower than the corresponding value estimated for the period 1996-2000 (23,510 cases/year) or for 2001-2018 (811.2 cases/year). Cases peaked during early summer, unlike the earlier surveys during winter, which assumes that the pupal development peaks during spring. Numbers and geographical distribution of the cases suggest emergent infestations in the northern region, persistent endemic infestations in the middle region, and cleared or lowered infestations in the southern region. Out of the 916 cases, sheep (610 cases) had the highest infestations, and the annual number of infested sheep was estimated at 54,000 animals, giving rise to a yearly economic loss mounts greatly over 1.5 million USD. Cattle (172 cases) was the second most frequently infested animal; however, cattle cases declined over years. Forty-four dog cases were detected, mostly in Diyala; nonetheless, dog myiasis is largely underreported in Iraq since millions of dogs live as strays. The Old World screwworm fly accounted for over 90% of the infestations, which underlines its historical role as the major contributor to traumatic myiasis in Iraq. In conclusion, significant changes in the epidemiology of animal traumatic myiasis in Iraq are strongly suggested. The Iraqi authorities should therefore consider these changes in updating various strategies established to effectively combat this economically important disease.