Control of insects of veterinary importance by genetic techniques

Abstract

The practicality of genetic methods for control of arthropods that affect livestock production in the tropics is best documented in the results of the screwworm ( Cochliomyia hominivorax ) eradication program, conducted first in the southeastern United States, subsequently in the southwestern United States, and currently in Mexico. The screwworm eradication program integrates the use of insect sterility with other appropriate measures to obtain population elimination. The basic sterilization mechanism utilized for control of screwworm reproduction is the induction of dominant lethality in the chromosomes of the released insects by iradiattion. As a result of the practical success of that program, a substantial amount of laboratory and field study has been conducted on the use of artificially induced dominant lethality for control of tsetse flies ( Glossina species), house flies ( Musca species), the stable fly ( Stomoxys calcitrans ), the horn fly ( Haematobia irritans ), cattle grubs ( Hypoderma species) and mosquitoes. As an alternative to dominant lethality, the use of chromosome rearrangements (translocations, compound chromosomes, etc.) or hybrid sterility has been studied in mosquitoes, the sheep blowfly ( Lucilia cuprina ) and Boophilus ticks. The potential for substantial economic impact by the increased use of these techniques for control of arthropod pests of livestock in the tropics is very promising.