Oestrus ovis larvae in nasal cavity of sheep: A case report

Abstract

Oestrosis, caused by the larvae of Oestrus ovis, is an obligatory myiasis of sheep and goats. It is commonly known as sheep nasal bot. The present study reports the infestation of the nasal cavity of sheep by Oestrus ovis larvae in Nagpur. Sheep showing symptoms ranging from dyspnea, mild nasal discharge, and torticollis was brought to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Nagpur Veterinary College, for postmortem examination. Grossly sinusitis, catarrhal discharge, purulent exudate, and congestion was observed. Microscopically, the cerebral cortex of infected animals revealed degeneration of neuron and softening of brain substance. Characteristic lesions included engorgement of blood vessels and vacuolation of brain substance with mild perivascular cuffing by mononuclear cells was seen. Nasal mucosa showed discontinuation of epithelial cells with mononuclear cell infiltration and edema and fibrosis. Based on parasitological and histopathological analysis, the case was confirmed to be of nasal myiasis.

Keywords

• oestrus ovis
• histopathology
• nasal bot