Horse bots (Gasterophilus spp)

Question 1

What are some spp of vet importance for Horse bots (Gasterophilus)?

Answer 1

• Gasterophilus intestinalis (common bot)
• Gasterophilus nasalis (throat bot)
• Gasterophilus haemorhoidalis (nose or lip bot)

Question 2

Name some morphologic features of Horse bots (Gasterophilus spp).

Answer 2

• 1-2cm long
• robust, wasp like, hairy
• pointed abdomen
• no mouthparts
• larvae reddish-orange

Question 3

Describe the general features of the Horse bot (Gasterophilus spp).

Answer 3

• adults lay eggs on hair
• eggs hatch and larvae enter horses mouth and migrate through tissues to stomach
• L1-L3 attached to mucosa of stomach by oral hooks (8-10 months)
• L3’s let go and pass through feces
• pupate in soils and adults only live for a few weeks

Question 4

What is the pathogenesis of horse bots (Gasterophilus spp)?

Answer 4

• lesions where larvae attach to mucosa of stomach
  
  • thickening of mucosa, eroded centers
• gastric myiasis
  
  • stomach ulceration, mild gastritis

Question 5

Are horse bots (Gasterophilus spp) biting flies?

Answer 5

No - adults have non-functioning mouthparts.