Prevalence and economic significance of Hypoderma bovis in Ardahan

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cattle infected by Hypoderma, a parasite that causes great economic losses in the world, especially in the Ardahan region. A total of 31 095 cattle skins were randomly selected between 15 November 2020 and 15 March 2021 and examined. The prevalence of warbles was 47.3%. The proportions of cattle with warbles on the skin on their backs were 76.6% in one-year-old and younger animals, 60.9% in two- and three-year-old animals, and 16.5% in cattle that were four years old or more. It was determined that 53.6% of the cattle with warbles on the back skin were indigenous breeds, 47.6% were Simmental and Montofon crosses, and 36.2% were domestic breeds. The average number of larvae was 8.2. Interviews with the owners of the infected animals revealed that hide loss was on average 10% in live weight, with a 5% to 8% in the milk production of dairy cows. In the animals under investigation the total economic loss from warbles caused by damage to the hide was calculated as US$114 188. Thus, it is important to carry out preventive practices regularly to limit the spread of the parasite and prevent economic loss in Ardahan.