SCREWWORM (COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX) AND ITS ERADICATION IN NORTH AFRICA USING STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE - I. EPIZOOTIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
KOUBA, V.
Abstract
The screwworm caused by Cochliomyia hominrvorax, attacking
warm-blooded animals and man, was discovered for the first time in the history,
outside of American continent. After confirming the occurrence of this horrible
myiasis in North Africa, epizootiological analysis -was carried out. Tripoli
sheep import quarantine was traced as primary outbreak locality. The myiasis
spread rapidly invading vast territory during several months. The invaded territory
of 25000 km with more than 2.7 million domestic animals was identified between
Mediterranean Sea and parallel 32° 10' (desert) and between meridians 11°45'
and 15° 15'. The screwworm strain was compatible with Costa Rica-91 strain
confirming American origin. Special national and international diagnostic, surveillance
and reporting systems facilitated to identify screwworm occurrence (14111 cases
from July 1989 up to eradication in April 1991), dynamics (seasonality culminated
in -warmer months) and threatened territories in Africa and Mediterranean basin.
Epizootiological analysis served as the background for eradication programme.
Key words:
Cochliomyia hominivorax - screwworm - epizootiological
analysis - myiasis -surveillance - zoonosis