Ophthalmomyiasis Due to the Sheep Bot Fly in Southern California (Diptera: Oestridae)

Abstract

The sheep bot fly, Oestrus ovis L., is geographically widespread in nature; this species is known to occur in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Attacks by this fly on man have occurred more frequently where the sheep population is sparse and the human population relatively greater (James 1947:114-116). It also has been proposed that those persons who are closely associated with sheep and goats, or consume large quantities of goat's milk and cheese are more likely to become victims of Oestrus ovis attacks (James and Harwood 1969:293-294; Harwood and James 1979:310-312).