Written by Dr Larry Kraitzick of Bruma Lake Veterinary Clinic
There have been reports in Johannesburg of “Mango worm” infestation over the last year, especially in summer, and even early autumn with the intermittent periods of heavy rain and some sunny days.
Here’s some useful information concerning this condition:
Mango worms are actually maggots and not worms.
The mango fly, also known as the Tumbu or the Putsi fly, lays eggs in the soil (usually soil contaminated with faeces or urine). They also lay eggs in wet washing or bedding, as well as faeces- or urine-soiled clothes (e.g. nappies).
There is a 9-5 day incubation before the larvae hatches. If a dog or human is lying on or in that area of soil or bedding, the larvae pierces the skin (this takes less than 25 seconds) and develops into a pupa under the skin. It will exit the skin 8-12 days later, going back into the soil, only to hatch again as a fly. Children, and occasionally adults, who put on affected clothing will suffer the same fate.
Please ensure that you check your pets for lumps/bumps that may develop. These must be checked by a vet.
The most common method of removing these maggots is to apply petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) to the opening of the lesion. This makes it difficult for the larvae to breath and can even suffocate the larvae. They can now be easily expressed. The open tunnel can then be disinfected and an antibiotic is prescribed to prevent infection.
Young pups, old and/or sick dogs that don’t move around and/or soil themselves are at greater risk. Please make sure these fur children are kept clean and are helped to move around if they can’t do this themselves.
Some prevention techniques:
- Fly repellents
- Pick up fruit that has dropped off the tree
- Clean up faeces and urine immediately
- Wash bedding on high temperature and iron if possible
