Old world screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana)

Last Modified: Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:26:48 IST
Disease name Old world screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana)
Animal Health Law Category if applicable N/A
Species affected Multiple(not specified)
Description The New World screwworm fly (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), and the Old World screwworm (OWS), Chrysomya bezziana (Villeneuve), are both obligate parasites of mammals during their larval stages, with the resulting infestation of tissue by larval stages being known as myiasis. Both NWS and OWS are in the subfamily Chrysomyinae of the family Calliphoridae (blow flies) of the order Diptera (true flies). Larvae feeding on the skin and underlying tissues of the host cause a condition known as wound or traumatic myiasis, which can be fatal.
Status in Ireland Absent
Date of Last known case of disease in Ireland Never reported
DAFM Division Responsible Bacteriology/ Parasitology
Contact BPV@agriculture.gov.ie
Legislation
Link to relevant external website
Notifiable in Ireland No
WOAH Listed Yes
WOAH Link https://www.woah.org/en/disease/old-world-screwworm-chrysomya-bezziana/
Publications