Dacryoadenitis caused by Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Published in: Veterinary parasitology (Amsterdam) 2021-01, Vol.23, p.100504-100504, Article 100504
• Main Authors: Carrão, Danielly L., Hernandez, José Miguel F., Cardoso, Jaime D., Correia, Thaís R., Araújo, Jeann L., Ubiali, Daniel G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cervids; Histopathology; Lacrimal adenitis; Myiasis; Parasitology; Wildlife
• ISSN: 2405-9390; 2405-9390
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100504

Flies of the genus Cochliomyia frequently cause myiasis in the Americas during the hot and humid climate, which favors the development of the parasite's life cycle. A three-year-old female sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), originated from a conservation farm in the municipality of Casimiro de Abreu, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, was presented for a necropsy. Grossly, a nodular wound in the right lacrimal gland was observed, with many intralesional larvae. The histopathological evaluation of the injured lacrimal gland revealed maggots surrounded by areas of necrosis and inflammation. Specimens were collected for parasitological examination. Morphologically, larvae were identified as Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae). It is suggested that adult C. macellaria was attracted to the site of infestation by glandular secretion. The present study shows the first report of secondary myiasis by Cochliomyia macellaria in deer. •Cochliomyia macellaria in the hosts' lacrimal gland cause inflammation and necrosis•Cochliomyia myiasis are common in captive animals housed long time in enclosures•Myiasis caused by C. macellaria in wildlife animals may act as reservoirs•Myiasis in wildlife animals are probably underreported