This paper presents a preliminary inventory of 26 species of Panamanian blowflies, and discusses their ecology and impact on animal and human health. It describes the progress made so far in the eradication of the screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, from Panama; the importance of C. macellaria, Chrysomyia rufifacies, C. megacephala and Phaenicia spp in facultative myasis and the spread of pathogens, as well as their use a forensic tool. In addition, 2 species of Calliphora (C. vicina and C. nigribasis) and 1 of Mesembrinella (M. apollinaris) are reported for the first time for Panama.