Warble flies (Hypoderma spp)

Question 1

Name some spp of Warble flies (Hypoderma) of vet importance.

What animals do these affect mainly?

Where are these flies distributed?

Answer 1

• Hypoderma bovis - cattle
• Hypoderma lineatum - cattle
• rarely man, horse, sheep
• Northern hemisphere (25-60 degree latitude)

Question 2

What are some morphologic features of Warble flies (Hypoderma spp)?

Answer 2

• 10-15mm long
• large hairy, bee-like flies
• adults have no mouth parts - short lived

Question 3

Describe the general features of the Warble fly (Hypoderma spp) lifecycle.

Answer 3

• adults deposit eggs on hair (may-june)
  
  • eggs cemented to hair follicle
• larva penetrate skin via hair follicles
• L1 migrate through body for 7-9 months
  
  • create ‘butcher jelly’ tracts in meat
• L2-L3 appear on back
• marble ‘grub’ drops to ground, develops into pupa
• pupa to adult in about 1-3 months

Question 4

What is the pathogenic significance of Warble flies (Hypoderma spp)?

Answer 4

• creat ‘butchers jelly’ in the meat, reducing it’s quality
• hide damage - loss of value for leather
• reduced grazing
• NOTIFIABLE