Clinical and epidemiological studies on screwworm infestation in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

A prevalence study of skin myiasis in small ruminants was carried over a one year period. Animals, which were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, were examined for wound myiasis and the larvae collected were identified as Chrysomyia bezziana. Prevalence of 13.0% and 10.0% were recorded in sheep and goats respectively. Sites of infestation, gender and age were concerned during the investigation. Fixed flocks (animals reared completely indoors) showed higher prevalence than semi-fixed ones particularly in winter. No cases of myiasis was observed during summer. Female animals were more significantly infested (p = 0.0001) than males, age seems to have no role with infestation rates. Surgical and medicinal intervention were successfully carried out and recommendations were given to avoid repeated infestation.