site logo

Warbles

Categories: Diseases and their Remedies

It has been a prevalent opinion among farmers, that warbles are so many

evidences of the good condition of their cattle. It must, however, be

borne in mind that the warbles are the larvae of the oestrus bovis,

which is said to be the most beautiful variety of gad-fly. This fly,

judging from the objects of its attack, must be particularly choice in

its selection of animals upon which to deposit its eggs, as it rarely

ch
oses those poor in flesh, or in an unhealthy condition. From this

circumstance, probably, has arisen the opinion above-mentioned.






These warbles--or larvae of the oestrus bovis--so nearly resemble

bots in the horse--or larvae oestrus equi--that, were it not for

their increased size, they might readily be mistaken the one for the

other. There is, however, one other difference, and that is in the rings

which encircle the body; those of the former being perfectly smooth,

while those of the latter are prickly, and from one third to one half

smaller.



The author was called, in the year 1856, to see the prize cow, Pet,

belonging to James Kelly, of Cleveland, Ohio, whose extraordinary yield

of butter and milk had been reported in the Ohio Farmer, a short time

previous to his visit. This animal was found by him in rather poor

condition; the causes of which he could only trace to the existence of

these worms, comfortably located, as they were, beneath the animal's

hide, and forming small tumors all along the spinal column, each being

surrounded by a considerable quantity of pus. A number of these were

removed by means of a curved bistoury and a pair of forceps, since which

time--as he has been informed--the animal has rapidly improved,

regaining her former good condition.



Some may urge that this is an isolated case; but an examination of

cattle for themselves, will convince them to the contrary. It may be

added, that two other cows, belonging to the same gentleman, were also

examined at the same time,--one of them being in good condition, and the

other, out of condition. From the back of the latter several of these

insects were removed, since which time she also has much improved. The

former was entirely free from them. These cows were all kept in the same

pasture, received the same care, and were fed on the same food, and at

the same time; and as the removal of these larvae has been productive of

such beneficial results, have we not a right to infer that these insects

are injurious?



If we go further and examine, in the spring of the year, all cattle

which are subject to them, instead of finding them in the fine

condition which one would naturally expect,--considering the abundance

of fresh young grass whose vigorous life they may incorporate into their

own,--they are out of condition, and out of spirits, with a laggard eye,

a rough coat, and, in some cases, a staggering gait, as though their

strength had failed in consequence.



How shall such attacks be prevented? During the months of August and

September this gad-fly is busily engaged in depositing its eggs. Some

are of the opinion that they are placed on the hairs of the animal;

others, that the skin is perforated, and the egg deposited in the

opening, which would account for the apparent pain manifested by cattle

at and after the time of such deposit. Be this as it may, it is certain

that the maggot works its way into the muscular fibre of the back, and

depends upon the animal's blood for the nourishment which it receives.



The author has been informed, by persons in whom he ought to have

confidence, that the free use of the card, during the above-named

months, is a specific protection against the attacks of the oestrus

bovis. He repeats this information here, not without diffidence; since

so large a majority of stock-owners evince, by their lack of familiarity

with the practical use of this convenient and portable instrument, an

utter disbelief in its reliability and value.



More

;