Dissecting the Effects of ICephenemyia stimulator/I on the Olfactory Turbinates and Nasopharynx of Roe Deers

Parasitic infections are a silent enemy that can crucially affect wildlife, causing severe organic damages whose effects go beyond the most visibly external symptoms. The Cephenemyia stimulator is one example of this. In European roe deer, it leads to nasopharyngeal myiasis caused by larvae that inhabit the upper respiratory tract of the deer, resulting in considerable tissue damage over time. The aim of our research was to delve into the extent of this damage and its repercussions on roe deer health and behavior. Our findings reveal significant inflammation, tissue changes, and degradation in the nasal area, potentially impairing the roe deer’s sense of smell. This olfactory ability is pivotal for their social bonding, reproductive success, finding food, avoiding predators, and adjusting to their environment. By shedding light on this condition, we contribute to the efforts in wildlife management and the conservation of these animals, ensuring their survival. Highlighting the need to safeguard roe deer populations from such diseases underscores the role of health in their survival and adaptive strategies. Nasopharyngeal myiasis in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a pathological condition caused by the larval stages of Cephenemyia stimulator, a fly from the Oestridae family. These larvae reside in the host’s upper respiratory tract for months, inducing significant tissue damage and clinical symptoms. The lifecycle of Cephenemyia stimulator is complex, involving three larval stages before maturation into adult flies, with each stage contributing to the progressive pathology observed in the host. Despite their prevalence, the histopathological effects of these larvae in the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities have been understudied. Our study fills this knowledge gap by providing a detailed histopathological analysis of the affected tissues, using various staining techniques to reveal the extent and nature of the damage caused by these parasitic larvae. This histopathological examination reveals significant alterations within the nasopharyngeal mucosa and nasal cavity, including erythematous changes, mucosal metaplasia, fibrosis, and tissue necrosis. Parasitic cysts and eosinophilic infiltration further characterize the impact of the infestation, compromising not only the mucosal integrity but also potentially the olfactory function of the affected animals. This research is crucial for understanding the impact of myiasis on both the health and olfact