Cephenemyia stimulator (Diptera: Oestridae) myiasis in a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Portugal

Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports. 2023 Jun:41:100883. doi: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100883. Epub 2023 Apr 24.

Abstract

Herein we present a nasopharyngeal myiasis case by Cephenemyia stimulator in a roe deer hunted in Trás-os-Montes (NE Portugal). Preliminary inspection showed one larva sorting through the nostrils and the examination of the nasopharyngeal cavity showed more than 15 larvae in the glottis and retropharyngeal recesses. Four larvae were collected and stored into 70% ethanol for morphological and molecular identification. Three of the larvae were identified as third instars and the other one as a prepupa of Cephenemyia stimulator, being the first confirmation of this species in roe deer from Portugal. C. stimulator is currently widely distributed in roe deer from central and northern Spain so, the transboundary natural dispersal of these cervids would explain the introduction of this myiasis in Portugal. Further studies are needed to monitor the spreading of this infection in the westernmost populations of European roe deer.

Keywords: Bot fly; Cephenemyia stimulator; Portugal; Roe deer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Deer*
  • Diptera*
  • Larva
  • Myiasis* / diagnosis
  • Myiasis* / veterinary
  • Portugal