Influence of internal and environmental factors on the distribution and occurrence of Hypoderma (Diptera : Oestridae) in cattle in Galicia (Northwest of Spain)

This study establishes the seroprevalence of Hypoderma spp in cattle and the influence of some internal and environmental factors in the distribution of this myiasis in Galicia (northwest of Spain). Humoral antibody levels were measured by means of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbet assay, using as the antigen hypodermin C obtained from 1st-instar Hypoderma lineatum (De Villers). The percentage of positive sera in the total sample of 1,473 animals was 78.4%. Considering the different climatic areas in Galicia, the seroprevalence was lower in coastal areas; whereas, in the inland the percentages of positive sera were higher. The study revealed significant differences in seroprevalence between breeds; the autochthonous Rubia Gallega breed was the most prevalent, followed by the crossbreeds Brown Swiss and Friesian. The breeding system was an important factor affecting the occurrence of hypodermosis.