CHAPTER XIII 



Myiasis — Its Prevention and Treatment ^ 

 F. C. Bishopp 



In the preceding lecture the habits and biologies of the various species 

 concerned in myiasis in man and animals have been briefly outlined. 

 An accurate knowledge of the species concerned and a good general idea 

 of its biology and habits are essential to the proper handling of myiasis, 

 especially when the cases are numerous. 



In discussing control of the flies concerned and tlie treatment of cases 

 the same general grouping as made in the previous lecture will be fol- 

 lowed. Wliere various species of Mow flies and related forms are 

 numerous, immediate steps should be taken to determine the source of 

 supply and energetic measures applied to prevent it without waiting for 

 the appearance of cases of myiasis in man or animals. 



TISSUE-DESTROYING FORMS 



Prevention of Breeding. — Since practically all species concerned in 

 the production of this form of myiasis develop ^\^thin decaying animal 

 matter, first attention must be given to this point. 



Burning of Carcasses. — The carcasses of large animals are sources 

 of tremendous numbers of flies. We have estimated that over a million 

 specimens may be produced in the body of one cow. Nothing is as satis- 

 factory as complete destruction of carcasses by burning. This not only 

 prevents fly breeding but reduces the chances of the propagation of 

 such diseases as black-leg, anthrax and tuberculosis. Carcass burning 

 can be carried out under practically any condition with which the sani- 

 tary entomologist will have to deal and the process is by no means 

 difficult nor expensive. Various methods have been advocated but we have 

 found nothing equal to the following: Dig a trench about eighteen 

 inches wide, twelve or fourteen inches deep and equal to the length of 

 the carcass to be burned (plate XIV). This trench should be dug with 

 the direction of the prevailing wind and along the back of the car- 

 cass ; fill the trench with wood and then turn the animal over on top of 

 it. Start the fire in the windward end of the trench and no further 



^This lecture was presented November 18, 1918, and distributed January 20, 1919. 



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