Population Survey of Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) on Cattle in Sale Barn in Navasota, Texas

Authors

  • G Benson Texas A&M University
  • T. Ho
  • A. Thornton
  • T. Wilson

Abstract

Livestock pests, if left uncontrolled, are capable of impacting the health and productivity of the animals. This leads to disruption of the economy based around livestock and the goods produced. In order for a control program to be applied, the target pest species needs to be identified. The purpose of this experiment was to determine which species of pests infested cattle within the Navasota area through a population survey. The specimens were collected directly from the cattle and preserved for identification. The survey results depicted Haematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) as the main pest associated with cattle in the study location. Of the 64 collected specimens, all were found to be H. irritans, and an average of 206 horn flies was observed on each individual. The potential economic losses associated with the findings of this study indicated a need for an integrated horn fly management strategy within the area.

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Published

2014-12-30