New World Screwworm Infestation in Wild Mountain Tapirs, Central Andes Mountains, Colombia

Abstract

We describe New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) infestation in 2 injured mountain tapirs (Tapirus pinchaque) from a protected area in the Central Andes, Colombia. Screwworms were not a known threat to mountain tapirs. Community outreach is needed to raise awareness on effects of this parasite on humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.

Keywords: Cochliomyia hominivorax; Colombia; Screwworm; Tapirus pinchaque; endangered species; mountain tapir; myiasis; parasites; zoonoses.

Figure 1

Myiasis in cases of New World screwworm infestation in wild mountain tapirs, Central Andes Mountains, Colombia. Myiasis and active larvae can be seen in large, 8–10-cm wounds on left side of adult male tapir (A, C) and on right hindquarters of adult female tapir (B, D). Both tapirs were in the Ucumari Regional Natural Park, Risaralda, Colombia. We retrieved 2 larvae from the female tapir’s wound and placed in a box until they pupated; after 12 days they emerged as adults (both male) (Appendix Figure 1), which we stored in 96% ethyl alcohol. We collected 20 larvae from the male tapir and stored in 70% ethyl alcohol.

Figure 2

Cochlyiomia hominivorax larvae collected from a case of New World screwworm infestation in wild mountain tapir, Central Andes Mountains, Colombia. The larvae were collected from a male tapir and depict features used for taxonomic identification. A) Full larva, showing morphologic features; original magnification ×5. B) First thoracic section, demonstrating pigmented dorsal tracheal trunks; original magnification ×10. C) Posterior spiracles and anal tubercle; original magnification ×25. D) Anterior spiracle; original magnification ×25. E) Oral hooks from first thoracic segment; original magnification ×25. Photographs were taken at the Laboratorio de Parasitología Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, by using an SZX12 stereomicroscope (Olympus, https://www.olympus-lifescience.com).