Hypodermatosis in cattle

Cattle hypodermatosis is chronic. The disease occurs when gadflies of the genus Hypoderma of the family Hypodermatidae penetrate the skin. There are two types of hypoderms: ordinary subcutaneous (lines) and esophageal (esophageal).

Parasites live almost throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation and, in the event of a massive attack on livestock, are capable of causing major economic damage. it is expressed in a decrease in MILK volumes and MEAT productivity. In the absence of adequate therapy, deaths due to infection are possible.

What is hypodermatosis?

Young individuals are mainly attacked by parasites. Female gadflies pose a danger. Strings lay eggs on the fur of animals in the area of ​​the hind limbs and abdomen. Esophagus - in the area of ​​the forelimbs and chest. The most dangerous period is the second half of spring and early summer.

The larvae emerging from the eggs at the initial stage penetrate the skin and move through the tissues to the spinal canal (strings) or the esophagus (esophagus). The process lasts 3–5 months, the hypodermis grows up to 2 cm in length. After completion of migration, the larvae reach the subcutaneous tissue of the back. They need oxygen to breathe, so they create passages outward. Under the skin of the animal, individual capsules with a fistula at the top are visible. The capsules contain larvae, which emerge to the surface of the body within 1.5–2 months. From there they fall into the ground, where they continue to develop.

The larvae mechanically damage tissues, causing pain to animals. Through the passages and fistulas made by gadflies, infection easily penetrates, causing local inflammation. Infection can cause severe toxicity.

Causes

Invasion occurs against the background of reduced immunity, poor nutrition, and violation of sanitary standards for keeping cattle. The weakened body of young animals becomes an ideal target for attack by gadflies. Often the reason is the purchase of an infected animal for the farm.

Symptoms of hypodermatosis in cattle

• Animals become anxious.
• The skin is itchy and swelling is noticeable in some places.
• Bruising appears on the skin.
• With a normal appetite, weight loss occurs.
• On the back, in the lower back, there are many subcutaneous capsules.
• Exudate and pus are released from the fistulas.
• Over time, the wounds become covered with scabs.
• When the spinal cord is damaged, the hind limbs fail.
• Allergic reactions may develop.
• Signs of inflammation and intoxication are noticeable.

When infected with botflies, bovine hypodermatosis manifests itself in the following:

• individuals refuse food;
• the gastrointestinal tract swells;
• Difficulty for animals to swallow;
• they stretch their necks;
• gait is unsteady;
• Frequent belching appears.
• The disease develops gradually over 3–6 months.

Treatment

To treat hypodermatosis in cattle, it is enough to use one of them.

• " Meradoc ". It is based on doramectin, which reaches maximum concentration in tissues within 4-5 days. It remains in the body for a long time and provides protection against re-infestation for 28 days. For large and small cattle it is used in a dosage of 1 ml/50 kg of body weight, for pigs in a dosage of 1 ml/33 intramuscularly. In cattle, the drug is injected subcutaneously into the neck area.
• " Ivermek ". It is based on a combination of ivermectin with vitamin E. One of the most effective antiparasitic drugs. Destroys larvae and adults and remains effective for up to 2 weeks. Only one intramuscular injection is required in the neck area, croup at a dose of 1 ml/50 kg body weight. The meat is used after 28 days.
• " Cyflunit ". It is based on cyfluthrin, which provides a long-lasting insecticidal and repellent effect of the drug. Used to protect animals from flies, gadflies and horse flies. For treatment against hypodermatosis in cattle, 10 ml of the drug is sufficient, which is distributed along the spine.