Chronobiology of Hypoderma spp. in north-central Algeria as a basis to establish a control program

Abstract

From November 2005 to October 2006 two slaughterhouses from the Department of Bejaia (Northcentral Algeria) were weekly visited in order to determine the chronobiology of Hypoderma spp. This survey revealed that H. bovis and H. lineatum are present in this area with similar proportions. L-1 of H. lineatum were found in the oesophagus between August and December, with a peak in November, whereas L-1 of H. bovis were observed in the rachis from October to February, with a maximum in December. Warbles were present under the skin from the end of October until April. Finally, the activity of the adult flies would occur from the end of March until June. In consequence, in this area preventive/early treatment should be performed from July to September, whereas curative treatment should be implemented after December. However, due to changes in annual weather conditions, the chronobiology of the parasite should be determined before any control program in order to avoid accidents consecutive to preventive treatments