2019/01/17
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Proper treatment of wounds in pets advised
Friday, July 21, 2000

Pet owners are advised to take proper care of the wounds found on their animals in view of an increase in the number of myiasis cases in pets.

The appeal was given by the Assistant Director (Agriculture, Quarantine & Inspection) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Dr Liu Kwei-kin, today (July 21) following confirmation that the fly larvae specimens sent to the United Kingdom had been identified as the Old World Screw Worm (Chrysomya bezziana).

Dr Liu called on pet owners to make sure that any wounds or abrasions on their pets are promptly checked, treated and dressed by a veterinary surgeon.

Dr Liu said: "Local veterinarians had recalled seeing similar cases in the past. The problem can be prevented with proper wound management.

"Although human cases have been documented overseas, there is no cause for undue alarm. The public is advised to consult doctors if they develop any wound on their body," he said.

He added that this fly was normally found in tropical climates and is distributed widely in the southern part of Asia, including the Mainland and Hong Kong. It was not considered a newly introduced species in the territory.

AFCD had received 37 reports of myiasis cases from veterinary surgeons this year, with most of them found in dogs. They all recovered after treatment.

AFCD had also surveyed more than 300 pig farms, and out of eight cases reported this year, only one case was ongoing and currently being treated.

Staff of AFCD's animal management centres had not detected any myiasis cases in stray dogs and cattle in the last 12 months.

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