beef iq: biology and management of horn flies and face flies kelly loftin associate...
TRANSCRIPT
Beef IQ:Beef IQ:Biology and Management of Horn Biology and Management of Horn
Flies and Face FliesFlies and Face Flies
Kelly LoftinAssociate Professor/Extension Entomologist
Department of EntomologyFayetteville, Arkansas
Livestock Pests - FliesLivestock Pests - Flies
““Pasture” breeding fliesPasture” breeding flies– Horn FlyHorn Fly– Face FlyFace Fly
““Premise” breeding fliesPremise” breeding flies– House FlyHouse Fly– Stable FlyStable Fly
Black flies or Buffalo GnatsBlack flies or Buffalo Gnats Biting MidgesBiting Midges Horse FliesHorse Flies
Family MuscidaeFamily MuscidaeHorn FlyHorn Fly
Haematobia irritansHaematobia irritans
Horn Fly – Economic Horn Fly – Economic ImportanceImportance
Most economically important insect pest of pastured Most economically important insect pest of pastured cattle in the U.S.cattle in the U.S.
Losses occur through blood loss and annoyance, Losses occur through blood loss and annoyance, infestations of up to 10,000 flies per animal have infestations of up to 10,000 flies per animal have been documented.been documented.
Losses in cow-calf production is an indirect reduction Losses in cow-calf production is an indirect reduction in calf weaning weight. Reduction in calf weaning in calf weaning weight. Reduction in calf weaning weights vary from 18 pounds and up.weights vary from 18 pounds and up.
Stocker cattle gains may be reduced by 50 pounds. Stocker cattle gains may be reduced by 50 pounds. Linked to increased summer mastitis in cattleLinked to increased summer mastitis in cattle
Horn Fly - Life Cycle & BiologyHorn Fly - Life Cycle & Biology
Haematobia irritansHaematobia irritans Complete Complete
metamorphosismetamorphosis Adult remains on host Adult remains on host
- except for egg - except for egg laying.laying.
Horn Fly - Life Cycle & BiologyHorn Fly - Life Cycle & Biology
Adults live from 6 - 8 weeks, Adults live from 6 - 8 weeks, mating occurs on the host mating occurs on the host about 3 days after about 3 days after emergence.emergence.
Eggs laid on Eggs laid on fresh cattle fresh cattle manuremanure, less than 10 minutes , less than 10 minutes oldold
Larvae develop in manure.Larvae develop in manure. Horn flies overwinter as Horn flies overwinter as
pupae in the soil.pupae in the soil. Life cycle from egg to adult is Life cycle from egg to adult is
from 9 - 12 days.from 9 - 12 days.
Two Seasonal Peaks in AbundanceTwo Seasonal Peaks in Abundance
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov.
Horn Fly ManagementHorn Fly Management Return of $ 2-5, for each $ 1 spent.Return of $ 2-5, for each $ 1 spent. Treat when population reach an average of Treat when population reach an average of
200 per animal for beef cattle (100 for dairy 200 per animal for beef cattle (100 for dairy cattle).cattle).
Dust bags, back rubbers, mechanical traps.Dust bags, back rubbers, mechanical traps. Mineral/feed additives (IGR’s –methoprene, Mineral/feed additives (IGR’s –methoprene,
diflubenzuron; Larvicides - tetrachlorvinphos).diflubenzuron; Larvicides - tetrachlorvinphos). Sprays, pour-ons, dusts.Sprays, pour-ons, dusts. Insecticide impregnated ear tags.Insecticide impregnated ear tags.
Economic Thresholds and Counting Economic Thresholds and Counting Horn FliesHorn Flies
Economic injury level is 150-200 flies per animal Economic injury level is 150-200 flies per animal (75-100 dairy).(75-100 dairy).
Count flies on a minimum of 10 animals to obtain Count flies on a minimum of 10 animals to obtain an average.an average.
Whole body, one side, two sides? Whole animal Whole body, one side, two sides? Whole animal counts are more accurate but not always possible.counts are more accurate but not always possible.
When flies are less than 25 per animal count When flies are less than 25 per animal count individually, when greater than 25 count in individually, when greater than 25 count in multiples of 5, 10, etc.multiples of 5, 10, etc.
a b
c
Drawings of estimated population of horn flies on cattle; a = 50, b = 100 and c = 200.
Horn flies on bull and belly of Hereford.
Control MethodsControl Methods
Horn fly (Bruce) trapHorn fly (Bruce) trap
Passive, no Passive, no chemicalschemicals
Restrict access to Restrict access to feed or waterfeed or water
Animal must pass Animal must pass through trapthrough trap
Up to 70% controlUp to 70% control Cost (material): Cost (material):
$500-550$500-550
Potential Issues with TrapPotential Issues with Trap
Trap maintenance (horned cattle)Trap maintenance (horned cattle) Alternate water sources (rainfall and wet Alternate water sources (rainfall and wet
weather water sources)weather water sources) On occasion individual animals will not On occasion individual animals will not
pass through trappass through trap
Horn Fly Demonstration – Dallas CountyHorn Fly Demonstration – Dallas County
0
50
100
150
200
250
7/22
/200
4
7/29
/200
4
8/5/2
004
8/12
/200
4
8/19
/200
4
8/26
/200
4
9/2/2
004
9/9/2
004
9/16
/200
4
9/23
/200
4
Date
Av
era
ge
ho
rn f
lie
s p
er
an
ima
l
Trap
Control
Cattle moved to another pasture
Treatment threshold 200 per animal
Insecticide Impregnated Ear TagsInsecticide Impregnated Ear Tags One treatment ? If not One treatment ? If not
applied too earlyapplied too early Organophosphates, Organophosphates,
pyrethroids, pyrethroids, organochlorines and organochlorines and now macrocyclic now macrocyclic lactone (abamectin)lactone (abamectin)
Insecticide resistance Insecticide resistance should be consideredshould be considered
Insecticide classes Insecticide classes should be rotatedshould be rotated
Horn Fly Demonstration – Stone CountyHorn Fly Demonstration – Stone County
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
8/21/2006 8/28/2006 9/4/2006 9/11/2006 9/18/2006 9/25/2006 10/2/2006 10/9/2006
Date
Av
era
ge
ho
rn f
lie
s p
er
an
ima
l
Control
Ear Tag*
Backrubber**
*One Avenger ear tag per animal.**Backrubber chargedwith permethrin anddiesel
Treatment threshold200 per animal
Ear tag Insecticide classesEar tag Insecticide classesInsecticide ClassInsecticide Class BeefBeef Dairy*Dairy*
Synthetic PyrethroidSynthetic Pyrethroid YesYes YesYes
Organochlorine**Organochlorine** YesYes NoNo
OrganophosphateOrganophosphate YesYes NoNo
Macrocyclic lactonesMacrocyclic lactones YesYes YesYes
* Lactating dairy cattle.** Existing stock only (Avenger), no longer manufactured.
Remember to rotate insecticide classes and remove tags when they become ineffective or at the end of the fly season to lessen insecticide resistance or tolerance issues.
Backrubbers and Dust BagsBackrubbers and Dust Bags
Self treatment deviceSelf treatment device Recharge when neededRecharge when needed Backrubber is saturated Backrubber is saturated
with a light oil solution with a light oil solution containing insecticidecontaining insecticide
Dust bags are closed Dust bags are closed mesh burlap bags mesh burlap bags containing insecticide dust containing insecticide dust – no mixing necessary– no mixing necessary
Best if forced useBest if forced use
Paired, forced-use dust bagsPaired, forced-use dust bags
Forced-use backrubberForced-use backrubber
Issues with Backrubbers and Dust BagsIssues with Backrubbers and Dust Bags
Are the animals using the self-treatment Are the animals using the self-treatment device?device?
Forced-use deployment is best (restrict Forced-use deployment is best (restrict access to feeders, etc.)access to feeders, etc.)
Maintenance and charging Maintenance and charging
IGR’s and LarvicidesIGR’s and Larvicides Insecticide mixed into trace minerals formulated Insecticide mixed into trace minerals formulated
as a block, as granular form mixed with feed, or as as a block, as granular form mixed with feed, or as liquid feedliquid feed
Consider proximity to untreated animalsConsider proximity to untreated animals Kills horn fly larva developing in manureKills horn fly larva developing in manure Animals must eat a specified amount each dayAnimals must eat a specified amount each day Examples: IGR’s - Altosid (methoprene) and Examples: IGR’s - Altosid (methoprene) and
ClariFly (diflubenzuron). Larvicides – Rabon ClariFly (diflubenzuron). Larvicides – Rabon (tetrachlorvinphos)(tetrachlorvinphos)
Pour-onsPour-ons A small amount of insecticide is A small amount of insecticide is
poured down the backlinepoured down the backline Rates vary ~ about ½ ounce Rates vary ~ about ½ ounce
maximummaximum Higher insecticide concentration Higher insecticide concentration
than sprays (3-10%)than sprays (3-10%) Two types: traditional Two types: traditional
insecticide and endectocideinsecticide and endectocide Endectocide pour-ons control Endectocide pour-ons control
internal parasites, lice and horn internal parasites, lice and horn flies, consider horn fly control flies, consider horn fly control as an added benefitas an added benefit
Endectocides for horn fly control?Endectocides for horn fly control? Ivomec, Cydectin, etc. Pour-onsIvomec, Cydectin, etc. Pour-ons Cost of endectocide pour-ons are decreasing Cost of endectocide pour-ons are decreasing
especially with generics.especially with generics. Probably best not to rely on endectocides alone Probably best not to rely on endectocides alone
to control horn flies (use when necessary for to control horn flies (use when necessary for internal (worms) parasites). Label excerpt …internal (worms) parasites). Label excerpt …should be a partshould be a part of the parasite control program of the parasite control program for both internal and external parasites.for both internal and external parasites.
Ivomec pour-on will control horn flies from 14-28 Ivomec pour-on will control horn flies from 14-28 days, meaning multiple applications may be days, meaning multiple applications may be required during a fly season. required during a fly season.
SpraysSprays
Controls adult flies, ticks, liceControls adult flies, ticks, lice High pressure sprays to apply a High pressure sprays to apply a
large volume of insecticide solution large volume of insecticide solution (1-2 quarts)(1-2 quarts)
Low-volume sprays apply about 2 Low-volume sprays apply about 2 ounces per animal, uses nozzles ounces per animal, uses nozzles set up in gate or doorway where set up in gate or doorway where animal must passanimal must pass
Walk through Walk through sprayersprayer
Restrict access to Restrict access to minerals or waterminerals or water
Animals are Animals are automatically treated as automatically treated as they pass through they pass through (electronic eye)(electronic eye)
Not to be continuously Not to be continuously operated – operate only operated – operate only when fly numbers reach when fly numbers reach treatment thresholdtreatment threshold
Commercial units are Commercial units are availableavailable
Solar powered automatic sprayerSolar powered automatic sprayer
Horn fly demonstration – Washington CountyHorn fly demonstration – Washington County
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
7/1
2/2
00
6
7/1
9/2
00
6
7/2
6/2
00
6
8/2
/20
06
8/9
/20
06
8/1
6/2
00
6
8/2
3/2
00
6
8/3
0/2
00
6
9/6
/20
06
9/1
3/2
00
6
9/2
0/2
00
6
9/2
7/2
00
6
10
/4/2
00
6
10
/11
/20
06
10
/18
/20
06
Date
Av
era
ge
ho
rn f
lie
s p
er
an
ima
l
Automatic sprayer*
Control
Treatment threshold200 per animal
*Charged with permethrin(2 oz. Permethrin-10 per gallon water)
Issues with automatic sprayerIssues with automatic sprayer Are the animals using the sprayer? Similar Are the animals using the sprayer? Similar
issues with back rubbers, dust bags and trap.issues with back rubbers, dust bags and trap. Restrict access to minerals or water (forced Restrict access to minerals or water (forced
use).use). Individual animals may not use the sprayer Individual animals may not use the sprayer
(observe).(observe). Cattle should be acclimated to sprayer.Cattle should be acclimated to sprayer. Inert ingredients (xylene) in some insecticide Inert ingredients (xylene) in some insecticide
formulations will damage pump. Most animal formulations will damage pump. Most animal insecticides work fine (exception: Ravap, but insecticides work fine (exception: Ravap, but formulation may be changed to remove xylene).formulation may be changed to remove xylene).
http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-7031.pdfhttp://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-7031.pdf
Consult MP 144 “Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas” which is updated yearly. http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/HTML/MP-144.aspRead and follow the insecticide label.
Family MuscidaeFamily MuscidaeFace FlyFace Fly
Musca autumnalisMusca autumnalis
Face Fly – Economic ImportanceFace Fly – Economic Importance
Musca autumnalisMusca autumnalis Introduced into North America in 1952, native to Introduced into North America in 1952, native to
Europe, China, North Africa, etc.Europe, China, North Africa, etc. Economic losses from decreased weight gain, Economic losses from decreased weight gain,
decreased milk production, and decreased milk production, and mechanical mechanical transmission of pinkeye transmission of pinkeye
Does not reach pest status every year in Does not reach pest status every year in ArkansasArkansas, usually only a major problem 1 or 2 , usually only a major problem 1 or 2 years out of every 5 years. More of a pest in years out of every 5 years. More of a pest in north Arkansas than south Arkansasnorth Arkansas than south Arkansas
Face flies on cow (left) and calf infected with pinkeye (right).
Face FlyFace Fly
Face Fly BiologyFace Fly Biology Intermittent feedersIntermittent feeders Females feed on Females feed on
secretions around the secretions around the eyes and on saliva eyes and on saliva (ptotein for egg (ptotein for egg production)production)
Female and Male feed on Female and Male feed on nectar and pollennectar and pollen
Once feeding is complete Once feeding is complete the female leaves the the female leaves the hosthost
Face Fly Life CycleFace Fly Life Cycle Adult female lays eggs on Adult female lays eggs on
fresh cattle manurefresh cattle manure Eggs hatch into larvaeEggs hatch into larvae Larvae develop in the Larvae develop in the
manuremanure Larvae pupate in soil near Larvae pupate in soil near
manure patmanure pat Adults emerge from pupae Adults emerge from pupae
(white)(white) Life cycle from egg to adult is Life cycle from egg to adult is
from 11 - 17 daysfrom 11 - 17 days Overwinter as adults Overwinter as adults
Face Fly ManagementFace Fly Management Face fly are difficult to control because they are found Face fly are difficult to control because they are found
on the face (hard to treat area) and spend little time on the face (hard to treat area) and spend little time on the host.on the host.
Insecticide treatment may be necessary when an Insecticide treatment may be necessary when an average of 10 flies per animal (face) are present.average of 10 flies per animal (face) are present.
Face flies are equally attracted to adult cattle and Face flies are equally attracted to adult cattle and calves.calves.
Self treatment devices (back and face rubbers, dust Self treatment devices (back and face rubbers, dust bags, face misters) provide control.bags, face misters) provide control.
Insecticide impregnated ear tags provide limited Insecticide impregnated ear tags provide limited control (pyrethroid ear tags (2 per animal) are control (pyrethroid ear tags (2 per animal) are generally more effective for face flies than the generally more effective for face flies than the organophosphates).organophosphates).
Consult MP 144 “Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas” which is updated yearly. http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/HTML/MP-144.aspRead and follow the insecticide label.