Abstract
The biology of the stable fly is fairly well known, but factors influencing the distribution of adult stable flies within stables are still inadequately investigated. The four experimental stables were located in south western Slovakia. Within each stable, five sticky traps were localized along the stable, and the flies were weekly counted during the flight season of years 2015–2017. Seasonal activity and stable fly abundance in relation to temperature, rainfall, light conditions, relative air humidity, and cows per stable were evaluated. The seasonal activity of the stable fly shows one large peak at the end of summer and a second smaller peak just before the end of the flight season. The spatial distribution of stable flies was unique for each stable. All of the environmental variables had significant and mostly positive effect on stable fly abundance. The strongest and most positive effect on stable fly counts was temperature and rainfall five weeks prior to collecting session. Within the stable, cow number, air humidity, and light conditions are the strongest candidates to influence their distribution.
Highlights
Stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L., is a well-known major pest of confined and pastured cattle.Stable flies cause animals discomfort due to their painful stabbing and ability to transmit pathogenic microorganisms [1,2]
Animals react to fly attacks by foot stomping, head throwing, skin twitching, and tail switching; Mullens et al 2006 [3], The irritated cattle graze for a shorter time, and cattle frequently bunch together
The bunching behavior leads to increased body temperatures and lower milk production [4,5]
Summary
Stable flies cause animals discomfort due to their painful stabbing and ability to transmit pathogenic microorganisms [1,2]. Blood losses due to the stable fly feeding result in reduced gain in weight and reduced milk production [4]. Reported infestation levels range from 2 to 24 flies per leg [4], but Solórzano et al [6] report as much as 700 flies per animal. More than three stable flies per leg can cause economic damage [4,7]. The corresponding estimated annual loss of milk production per cow can range from 42 to 299 kg, with a median of 139 kg. Economic losses in 2009 dollars have been between $13 and $85 per cow per year in the United States [4]
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