Maggots 329 



maPs shaking or thrusting at the affected part. The 

 diseased area appears lifeless and spongy; when opened, 

 the living, wriggling parasites are found in the decom- 

 posing tissues. Infestation by maggots occurs onl}' in 

 warm weather. 



Cleanliness is the first essential to treatment. Sheep 

 Avith much wool should be "tagged" in early spring; 

 that is, the wool should be trimmed away from the 

 anal opening and vicinity, as well as from about the 

 penis, so that there will be no opportunity for the 

 wool to collect filth. This will usually prevent the 

 difficulty in these regions. In. case a wound has been 

 attacked, the dead and diseased tissue, with as many of 

 the parasites as possible and the surrounding hair and 

 wool, should be carefully removed. Kerosene oil and 

 turpentine are effective in destroying the parasites. 

 Turpentine should not be used on a raw wound, nor 

 about the anal opening, as it will cause too much 

 irritation. A solution of carbolic acid (one part to 

 twenty parts of water) is also good. After destroying 

 the larvae, the wound should be protected by tar, or by 

 pure creolin or similar products. Axle -grease is also 

 useful. 



THE SCREW -FLY 



In Texas and other southern regions, it is very com- 

 mon for wounds upon domestic animals to become in- 

 fested by the larvae of the screw-fly (Compsomyia macel- 

 laria). These larvae are commonly called "screw- 

 worms." The adult is a small, bluish green fly, with a 

 brown head, and with three blac^k stripes lengthwise 



