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Gasterophilus

ISSN 2398-2977

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Introduction

Classification

Taxonomy

  • Phylum:Arthropoda.
  • Class:Insecta.
  • Family:Oestridae.
  • Genus:Gasterophilus.
  • Species:intestinalis,nasalisandhemorrhoidalis.

Distribution

  • Common throughout the world: a total of six species parasitise domestic horses and donkeys:
    • G. intestinalis,G. nasalis,G. hemorrhoidalis: virtually worldwide.
    • G. pecorum: Europe, Asia and Africa.
    • G. inermis(uncommon): Europe, Northern Asia and Africa.
    • G. nigricornis: Spain, Middle East, Russia and China.
  • Only three species in the USA and UK:
    • G.intestinalis: most common species in the USA and UK.
    • G. nasalis: occurs in southern USA, southern England and Wales.
    • G. hemorrhoidalis(rare): possibly absent or localized in the USA and UK.

Significance


Vast majority of infections are asymptomatic
  • Adult flies cause annoyance to horses during egg laying. Most horses tolerate them.
  • First stage larvae in the mouth may (rarely) cause stomatitis   Vesicular stomatitis  .
  • Larvae in stomach frequently present but uncommonly associated with recognized clinical problems   Stomach: gasterophilus infestation  .
  • Larvae ofG. hemorrhoidalismay cause irritation as they attach to the rectal area prior to leaving the horse.

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Clinical Effects

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Diagnosis

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
  • Lyons E T, Tolliver S C, Collins S S & Drudge J H (2001) Transmission of endoparasites in horse foals born on the same pasture on a farm in central Kentucky (1996-1999). Vet Parasitol 97 (2), 113-121 PubMed.
  • Coles G C & Pearson G R (2000) Gasterophilus nasalis infection: prevalence and pathological changes in equids in south-west England. Vet Rec 146 (8), 222-223 VetMedResource.
  • Lloyd S et al (2000) Parasite control methods used by horse owners: factors predisposing to the development of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes. Vet Rec 146, 487-492 PubMed.
  • Lyons E T et al (2000) Prevalence of selected species of internal parasites in equids at necropsy in central Kentucky (1995-1999). Vet Parasitol 92 (1), 51-62 PubMed.
  • Coles G C & Pearson G R (2000) Gasterophilus nasalis infection: prevalence and pathological changes in south-west England. Vet Rec 146 (8), 222-223 VetMedResource.
  • Reinemeyer C R, Scholl P J, Andrews F M & Rock D W (2000) Efficacy of moxidectin equine oral gel against endoscopically-confirmed Gasterophilus nasalis and Gasterophilus intestinalis (Diptera - Oestridae) infections in horses. Vet Parasitol 88 (3-4), 287-291 PubMed.
  • Cogley T P & Cogley M C (2000) Field observations of the host-parasite relationship associated with the common horse bot fly, Gasterophilus intestinalis. Vet Parasiotol 88 (1-2), 93-105 PubMed.

Other sources of information

  • Kettle D S (1997) Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 2nd edn. CAB International.