Current trends in screwworm myiasis in the Caribbean region

ABSTRACT

In a random sample of animal producers and animal health personnel, 33 percent of the respondents in Trinidad, 15 percent in Guyana, 11 percent in Suriname and 9 percent in Jamaica recalled at least one case of human myiasis due to Cochliomyia homivorax (Conquerel). During 1981, respondents in Suriname (88 percent), Jamaica (90 percent), Guyana (85 percent) and Trinidad and Tobago (82 percent found at least one case of myiasis in their livestock, occurring mainly in cattle, pigs and dogs. Feral animals, e.g. jaguars, were also found to be infested. The initial wounds were mainly the umbilicus of neonates, and arbitrary wounds, and vampire bites were also affected. Fifty-three to 78 percent of all respondents examined their livestock daily for wounds and infestation by the screwworm. Annual estimates of losses (in U. S. dollars) due to surveillance and medication ranged from $4.82 to $10.71 per animal. Nationally these losses amount to $0.30 million (Surinam), $1.02 million (Trinidad and Tobago), $$.33 million (Guyana) and $6.78 million (Jamaica). Figures for other losses, arising from failure to thrive, reduction in milk production and hide injury due to screwworm activity were not available. Most producers found that the greatest screwworm infestation occurred in the wet season, and most described it as second in importance to Bophilus spp. ticks as a pest of livestock, but of greater significance than biting flies, such as tabanids and stable flies. Eradication of the screwworms from the islands of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago can be recommended, but in Surinam and Guyana eradicationseems feasible only on the 100-km wide coastal strips where most human and livestock populations exist. (AU)