Gastrofiloses

parasitic diseases of solidungulate animals caused by the larvae of botflies of the genus Gastrophilus. The female botflies deposit their eggs on the hairs of the animals. The larvae develop in 4-10 days. After entering the oral cavity they become embedded in the mucosa where, after 2-3 weeks, they molt and are swallowed. They then become fixed in the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum and live there as parasites for 9-10 months. In the spring they are discharged with the feces and pupate in the soil. During the larvae’s parasitic phase the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is impaired. The animal loses weight and its work capacity is reduced; death of the animal is also possible. Trichlorofon and other insecticides are used in treatment. For prevention, horses should be pastured at night during the flies’ swarming period or sprayed weekly with a one-percent solution of Trichlorofon.