Gedoelstial myiasis in antelopes of Southern Africa

Abstract

Myiasis in the blue wildebeest [Connochaetes taurinus (Burchell, 1923)] and the hartebeest [Alcelaphus buselaphus (Pallas, 1766)] caused by Gedoelstia spp. is described. The incidence of the first stage larvae within various tissues is recorded and further evidence submitted to elucidate their migratory pattern. The most important histological lesions including pachymeningitis and periophthalmitis are recorded. In spite of the constant dural myiasis and frequent pachymeningitis the affected antelopes show no apparent serious clinical manifestations.