Essential Oils for Myiasis Control: Potentialities for Ecofriendly Insecticides

Background: Flies that cause myiasis are considered one of the main ectoparasites affecting livestock. This pathology may produce a reduction in body development, compromises animal welfare, and in severe cases, can lead to death. Although the control of this pathology relies on the use of synthetic insecticides, drug failure has been reported worldwide. Essential oils (EO) are an alternative to control infecting flies, with reports showing 100% efficacy. Studies on the chemical structure of EO compounds linked to their specific bioactivity can shed light for efficient myiasis control. Thus, we need to explore new possibilities of EO, including the identification of their chemical composition for the development of an ecofriendly control of myiasis.

Aims: The aim of the present article is to provide a detailed review about the Brazilian native and adapted plants and their potential biological activity.