Oral cavity myiasis caused by Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis in sheep (clinical report)

Myiasis is defined as dipterous larvae infestation of tissues and organs in vertebrates. Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis is one of the facultative ectoparasites which causes myiasis in soft tissues of animals and humans. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing oral cavity myiasis with osteolysis by S. haemorrhoidalis in sheep.
A 1-year-old fat-tailed sheep with a history of anorexia, oral cavity ulcers, progressive emaciation and depression was referred to the veterinary hospital of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Necrotic ulcers and gingivitis with diphtheritic membrane, mobility and displacement of mandibular teeth, multiple deep holes around the anterior teeth in both jaws with severe malodor and large numbers of dipterous larvae were detected in the oral cavity examination. Discontinuity of bones and osteolysis of mandible and maxilla were seen in radiographic survey. Based on microscopic study of larvae morphologic characteristics (including three vertical and straight posterior spiracles and opened peritremes in the lateral surface of last posterior segment) and comparing with standard diagnostic keys, the parasites were identified as S. haemorrhoidalis larvae in parasitological examination. According to this report and considering the significant economic losses caused by myiasis, it is important to train the farmers to avoid the conditions resulting in wounds and prevent animal myiasis.