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International Journal of Zoological Research

Year: 2006 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 178-185
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Authors

S.J. Oniye

D.A. Adebote

C.B. Ahunanya

Keywords

Research Article

Observations on Oestrus ovis L. (Diptera: Oestridae) Myiasis in the Nasal Cavities and Sinuses of the Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries) in Zaria, Northern Nigeria

S.J. Oniye, D.A. Adebote and C.B. Ahunanya
Myiasis due to larval stages of the sheep bot fly, Oestrus ovis Linnaeus (Diptera: Oestridae) was observed in 72(62.07%) out of 116 sheep heads examined between September 2003 and February 2004 in Zaria, Nigeria. Prevalence of infestation in rams (66.67%) was higher than in ewes (60.47%) but insignificantly. Monthly prevalence of oestrosis fluctuated between 44% in September and January and 88% in October. Intensity of infestation was highest (26.83 larvae per head) in February and least (2.29 larvae per head) in October. The number of sheep positive for the condition and belonging to each of five age categories (<15 months, 15-22 months, 22-28 months, 28-36 months, > 36 months) did not differ significantly. The burden (intensity) of infestation ranged between 3 larvae per head in sheep aged 22-28 months and 23.40 larvae per head in 28-36 months. The anterior nasal region accounted for a significantly higher number of larvae than the posterior region, which was higher in ewes than rams (p<0.05). The distribution of the three larval instars of the nasal bots between anterior and posterior nasal structures did not differ significantly. No significant correlation existed amongst monthly relative humidity, temperature ranges, prevalence and intensity of infestation. The study reveals a high prevalence and burden of ovine oestrosis in northern Nigeria and an inadequacy of therapeutic intervention for the condition.
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