Thraðvírar

Thraðvírar, also known as threaded worms or screw worms, are the larval stage of certain species of blow flies, primarily from the genus Cochliomyia. These larvae are parasitic and feed on the living flesh of mammals. The term "thraðvírar" specifically refers to the infestation itself, known as myiasis.

The life cycle of thraðvírar begins when adult female blow flies lay their eggs on the edges of wounds or on mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. The eggs hatch into larvae within a day or two, and these larvae then burrow into the host's tissue. They feed on dead and living flesh, growing rapidly and causing significant damage. This feeding can lead to secondary bacterial infections, anemia, and in severe cases, death of the host.

Thraðvírar are particularly notorious in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, a significant problem in livestock, particularly cattle, they can also affect humans and other mammals. Prevention methods include wound care, keeping animals in clean environments, and sometimes the use of insecticides or repellents. Treatment involves removing the larvae from the wound, often surgically, and managing any associated infections. While significant progress has been made in controlling certain species, such as the New World screwworm, the threat of thraðvírar persists in various parts of the world.