Abstract
Nasopharyngeal myiasis in general is a parasitic infestation caused by the larvae of botflies, specifically in the nasal passages and throat (nasopharynx) of the animal. Nasopharyngeal myiasis in red deer (Cervus elaphus) is caused by the larvae of botflies belonging to the family Oestridae, most notably Pharyngomyia picta and Cephenemyia auribarbis. In this study, 29 red deer from eastern Slovakia were examined for nasopharyngeal myiasis. Of these, 17 (58.62%) tested positive. L1 larvae were identified in 13 deer, while L2/L3 larvae were found in 5 red deer individuals (in one positive animal, both L1 and L2/L3 larvae were observed). In those 5 deer, we found 42 specimens of L2/L3 larvae in total. The species of botfly larvae was reliably identified in 30 cases based on morphological characteristics and was determined to be Pharyngomyia picta. Nasopharyngeal myiasis has a clear impact on the health and welfare of red deer, particularly in populations experiencing environmental stress.