Traumatic myiasis of sheep in Europe: a review

The two most important fly species causing traumatic cutaneous myiasis of sheep in Europe are Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), which causes a form of myiasis known as wound myiasis, mainly in southern and eastern Europe, and Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which causes sheep strike, mainly in the middle latitudes of Europe. Other calliphorid blow-flies play a role mainly as secondary agents of myiasis, but in northern latitudes the L. caesar/illustris group are primary agents. Infestation levels vary greatly from region to region depending on a wide range of factors related to the composition of the parasite fauna, the host, animal husbandry and control practices, climate and geography. In some areas of Europe there have been recent increases in the incidence of traumatic myiasis due to changes in some of the previously mentioned factors. However, in other areas the incidence of myiasis is apparently low. More studies are needed to resolve this unclear situation and to explain regional differences. A number of areas for future research are highlighted including predicting the impact of environmental change, population modelling and development of novel control strategies.