Control Of Cattle Grubs Research Articles

Persistence of cattle grubs (Diptera: Oestridae) on a Canadian ranch with long-term, continuous therapeutic control

Sero-prevalence of cattle grubs (Diptera: Oestridae) was monitored on two large western Canadian ranches from 1992 to 1999. One ranch has had a long-term programme for therapeutic control of cattle grubs as required by legislation in the province of Alberta. The other ranch, located in southeast Saskatchewan, has not used any treatment for grub control for an extended period of time. Serum from calves was tested each fall for the presence of antibodies to Hypoderma spp. using an ELISA. Percent positive sera on the Ranch 1 ranged from 8.0 to 73.3%. There was substantial variation among years and among two separate herds maintained on the ranch. Percent infested calves on the Ranch 2 ranged from 76.5 to 99.0%. Improved surveillance for cattle grubs using serological techniques is the only effective means to monitor the status of this important parasite.

Myiasis Due to Hypoderma lineatum Infection Mimicking the Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Myiasis Due to Hypoderma lineatum Infection Mimicking the Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Biology and Control of Cattle Grubs

With a growing world population and increasingly demanding consumers, the production of sufficient protein from livestock, poultry, and fish represents a serious challenge for the future. Approximately 1,900 insect species are eaten worldwide, mainly in ...Read More

Biology and Control of Cattle Grubs

Biology and Control of Cattle Grubs

Area-wide systemic insecticide treatment for control of cattle grubs, Hypoderma spp. (Diptera: Oestridae): two approaches.

As part of the Joint United States—Canada Cattle Grub Project, progress of two different governmental approaches toward eradication of cattle grubs, Hypoderma spp., was evaluated. In the United States, governmental assistance to purchase insecticide and provide labor to apply the chemical was used for 3 consecutive years as an inducement to achieve 100% participation by producers in the treatment area. In Canada, long-standing legislation requires treatment of all cattle with costs for treatment borne by the individual stockowner. Compliance is monitored in Canada by federal and provincial government inspectors in the spring, at auction markets and slaughter facilities, and during follow-up visits to farms with infested cattle. The two approaches were evaluated by extensive onranch examination of cattle in the spring following each fall’s treatment. Following systemic insecticide application in the United States treatment area, prevalence dropped from 85% before initiation of the project to 9.2, 2.5, and 1.2%, respectively, for each of the 3 years 1983–85. In comparison, prevalence in the Canadian treatment area remained relatively steady at 8.8, 6.7, and 7.3% for the same 3 years. Although both approaches substantially reduced populations of grubs by >90%, neither achieved the long-range goal of eradication. Samples of segregated untreated monitor cattle from both treatment areas indicated reinfestation rates as high as 90% and resulted in recommendations for utilization of integrated management techniques to complement progress achieved with chemical control strategies.

Oral Administration of a Levamisole—Famphur Paste for Cattle Grub Control, 1984-85

Abstract Twenty mixed breed yearling steers were randomly assigned to each of 5 treatments to evaluate the effectiveness of varying rates of famphur in combination with levamisole paste for cattle grub control. The levamisole dosage was constant at 8 mg/kg. Warbex (famphur) Pour-on at 40 mg/kg was used as a treatment comparison. All treatments were applied 2 Nov, ‘84 and evaluation of efficacy was done in Mar and Apr, ‘85. All famphur-levamisole oral paste combinations were as effective as Warbex Pour-on.

Control of larvae of the common cattle grub (Diptera: Oestridae) with animal systemic insecticides.

Small groups of government-owned cattle were given titrated dosages of labeled animal systemic insecticides suggested for systemic control of larvae of the common cattle grub, Hypoderma lineatum (Villers). Data on the effectiveness of these replicated treatments were combined and subjected to probit analysis. Of 10 treatments suggested for control of cattle grubs, the label-listed dosages of coumaphos spray, crufomate pouron (EC diluted with water or 12% ready to use), fenthion pouron, phosmet spray or pouron, and trichlorfon pouron exceeded the calculated LD90. Also, the highest level of the label-listed dosage of fenthion Spotton, but not the minimum level, exceeded the calculated LD90. Although the label-listed dosage of famphur pouron afforded practical control (>89%) of cattle grubs, the calculated LD90 exceeded the label-listed dosage because of the effectiveness of lower dosages. With 4% pouron of coumaphos, the label-listed dosage failed to exceed the calculated LD90 dosage. Subcutaneous injections of Ivermectin, Merck MK-933 (22,23-dihydroavermectin Bl), were highly effective systemically at dosages of 0.2 µg/kg to 200 µg/kg; the calculated LD90 was about 0.1 µg/kg.

Cattle-Hypooerma Lineatum Animal Systemic Insecticide Test, 1981

Abstract Government-owned Hereford and Angus yearlings on pasture at Camp Stanley and Camp Builis, Bexar Co., TX, that are naturally infested with the common cattle grub, Hypodermalineatum (Villers), are treated with new insecticides that were detected to be systemically active in the mouse-Cuterebra animal systemic insecticide test. Animals are weighed and given insecticides in initial tests either orally by capsule (usually technical grade insecticide) or dermally by whole-body spray of 4 liters/animal at greater than 150 psi (usually formulated as an EC in xylene (65 parts), Triton x-100 (10 parts), and ai (25 parts). In other tests, insecticides labeled for use as systemic treatments for cattle grub control may be administered dermally to calves by pouron of a specific volume of insecticide (usually water-diluted EC as above or solution in oil) per body weight or intramuscularly by injection of a specific weight of insecticide (usually technical grade insecticide in diethyl succinate) per body weight. Normally cattle are treated with new insecticides initially at the highest nonlethal dosages as determined by cooperating veterinary toxicologists; maximum dosages of initial tests are 100 mg/kg orally and 1% spray. Occasionally cattle are treated with titrated dosages of labeled systemics in order to determine systemic activity of dosages less than label-tested dosages. After the treatment in May or Jun, the backs of treated cattle (usually 3-5 animals/treatment) and untreated cattle of the same age and breed from the same herd are examined monthly from Aug to Feb of the next year for encapsulated cattle grubs. As cattle grubs appear, they are located on an outline map of the back of each animal; the cumulative number of grubs in each animal is obtained. Effectiveness of a treatment is determined by comparing the average number of grubs in treated cattle with the average number in untreated cattle. The most recent report of tests with systemics for control of cattle grubs in cattle was presented by Drummond, R. 0., 1981, Insect, and Acaric. Tests 6:188.

Control of cattle grubs with dichlorvos-impregnated strips attached to legs of cattle.

Cattle treated by attaching strips of polyvinyl chloride impregnated with 20% dichlorvos around their legs during the season (Jan.–May) when adult flies are active were examined for encapsulated Hypoderma lineatum (Villers) the following fall-winter. Treatments, consisting of 5 g dichlorvos/leg, gave essentially complete control (98–100%) whether all legs or only rear legs were treated and whether or not treatments were renewed in Mar. Treatments of 2.5 g dichlorvos/leg gave 100% control if the treatments were renewed in Mar. but only 91% control if they were not.

Cattle, Common and Northern Cattle Grub Control in Wyoming with TF302 (Crufomate) Pour-On Insecticide, 1977

Abstract 32% crufomate (Dow Chemical TF302) pour-on was applied on Oct 2277 to Hereford cattle at the University of Wyoming Agriculture Substation, Gillette, Wyoming. Twenty-five mature cows, 17 yearling heifers, and 9 heifer calves were treated at application rates of: 1.0oz/170-250 lb, 1.5 oz/251-350 lb, 2.0 oz/351-450 lb, 2.5 oz/451-550 oz, 3.0 oz/551-750 lb, or 4.0 o;:/751 lb or more. Five cows, 5 yearling heifers, and 9 heifer calves from the same herd were left untreated. Grub numbers were determined by palpation on Feb 3’77andapr 22’77.

Control of cattle grubs with fenthion pour-on and trichlorfon spot-on in Germany

Field tests in northern Germany showed that fenthion pour-on and trichlorfon spot-on are suitable for the control of cattle grubs. The advantage of these two methods of application compared with other methods is the exact, easy, and time-saving application Field tests indicate that fenthion (Tiguvon) pour-on is highly effective againsts the migrating first instar and the second and third instars. Trichlorfon (Neguvon) spot-on was also highly effective against the migrating first instar but showed a lower efficacy against the second and third instars. It is suggested that the second and third instars are killed more reliably by direct contact with the compound. This contact is easier to achieve by the pour-on than by the spot-on method. Under German conditions, the following treatment plan is suggested: application of fenthion pour-on or trichlorfon spot-on in the autumn and, if required, fenthion pour-on in the spring. Since cattle eliminate trichlorfon faster than fenthion, application of the former may be preferable in certain cases.

Practical relationships between the biology and control of cattle grubs

This paper deals with the toxic effects of treatment of cattle against warble infestations, including the incidence of symptoms and whether these are due to death of migrating larvae or insecticide poisoning, or both. It was concluded that the likelihood of deaths associated with treatment by systemic insecticides is much less than 1 in 5 000 and may be as rare as 1 in 100 000. The importance of a national scheme to eradicate cattle grubs in Britain was stressed in view of the successes in controlling cattle grubs in Northern Ireland and in Eire.

Warble fly control in France on a national basis

In France, autumn and spring treatments are used for the control of cattle grubs. The autumn treatment consists of pour-on application of one of the following systemic organophosphorus insecticides: 4- tert-butyl-2-chlorophenylmemthyl methylphoporamidate fenthion, O, O-dimethyl phosphorodithioate S-ester with N-(mecaptomethyl)-phthalimide, and trichlorfon. The spring treatment consists of an aqueous preparation of trichlorfon or derris applied to the backs of infested cattle and cattle not treated in the autumn. The autumn treatment is not compulsory, although the Veterinary Services encourage it by providing technical and financial assistance. It was applied to 900 000 cattle in 1973. The spring treatment is compulsory, and the owner pays for it. It was applied to 3 × 10 6 cattle in 1973. The infestation rate seems to remain at 8–10% in areas where spring treatments have been used for a long time. The rate for the rest of the country is 20% and even there only 8% of the animals have more than five grubs per head.

Common cattle grub: control with animal systemic insecticides.

Data from tests with cattle treated with commercially-available animal systemic insecticides to control Hypoderma lineattun (de Villers) were analyzed by log probit. Label-recommended dosages for a spray of coumaphos, spray or pouron of phosmet, and spray of trichlorfon exceeded the calculated LD90 dosages. Thus, these treatments, if properly applied, should provide >90% control of cattle grubs. Methoprene in drinking water of cattle at 0.05––1.0 ppm for 7 months did not prevent cattle grubs from encapsulating in the backs of the treated animals but prevented adults from eclosing from pupae collected from treated cattle.

Cattle Grub Insecticide Efficacy and Effects on Weight-Gain Performance on Feeder Calves in Nebraska12

Feeder calves (917) were treated for control of cattle grubs, Hypoderma spp. with fenthion 1% feed additive, 2% and 3% pour-ons, 10% water additive; 4% coumaphos pour-on; and 8% trichlorfon paur-on; 448 calves were left untreated to serve as controls in the 6 separate trials. Of the untreated calves, 63% were infested with an average of 8 grubs per calf. The effect of grub treatment upon rate of gain and for grub control was not consistent among trials. However, on an average the treated calves gained 1.04 pounds per day as opposed to 0.92 pounds per day (significant at P 0.01% level) for nontreated calves. If computed for a 100-day feeding trial these finding, on an average, mean a difference of 12 pounds per calf more gain for calves treated for cattle grubs.

Prevention of cattle grub infestation in lactating dairy cows by use of daily applications of crotoxyphos.

Lactating dairy cows were sprayed with 1 oz of a 2% crotoxyphos oil solution twice daily for 8 to 10 consecutive weeks during the heel fly season ( Hypodenna spp.) for cattle grub control. Grub control ranged from 74 to 96% in 4 tests.

The Cattle Grub Problem in Arizona. II. Phenology of Common Cattle Grub Infestations and Their Effects on Weight Gains of Preweaning Calves12

Studies were comlucted to determine dates of cessation of adult Hypoderma lineatum (de Villers) activity and effects of larval infestations on weight gains of cattle. The cattle were maintained on un supplemented range pastures at 5000 feet elevation in east-central Arizona. The numbers of hypo dermal grubs ill calves of known age born in 1965, 1967, 1968, and 1969 were ascertained during the winter and spring following their births. All calves born after a certain date each year (fly-free date) were free or hypodermal grubs when examined and obviously were born after oviposition activity of H. lineatum had ceased. fly-free dates ranged from Apr. 1 to May 4, and all preceded the recommended date, May 28, for treatment with systemic insecticides at this elevation. Several systemic insecticides were applied to calves born in 1967, 1968, and 1969 to evaluate effects of common cattle grub infestations on average daily weight gains (ADG). Each year. about 375 calves were selected randomly for insecticidal treatment or retained as untreated controls. Treatment dates were about June 1 and coincided with the usual practice of spring vaccinations. Calves ranged from 6 to 126 days old when treated. Individual weights were obtained when treated, at weaning in mid-November, and again when 12, 20, and 24 months old. No signs of insecticidal toxicity were observed. Statistically and economically significant increases in ADG were obtained at weaning in treated calves born in 1967 and 1969. Variations in ADG response to grub control between sexes and insecticides also were noted. Of the systemic insecticides used, trichlorfon produced the best results ill terms of increased ADG and resulted in 0.08 and 0.09 pounds per day in 1967 and 1969, respectively, over the preweaning periods of about 162 days. No significant alterations of ADG were noted in 1968 or at any of the post weaning weighing periods. Control of common cattle grubs in preweaning calves is safe and economically advantageous, provided the calves are treated soon after the fly-free date and if the treatment date coincides with other management practices.

Further evaluation of animal systemic insecticides, 1970.

Twenty-nine insecticides were active systemically when administered orally or subcutaneously to guinea pigs parasitized by larvae of the black blow fly, Phormia regina (Meigen), and the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (F.), by nymphs of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), and by adult stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). When these 29 insecticides and 12 previously tested insecticides were administered orally by capsule or dermally as sprays to cattle, the following oral treatments gave >90% control of cattle grubs, Hypoderma spp.: CIBA C-9491 ( O -(2,5-dichloro-4-iodophenyl) O, O -dimethyl phosphorothioate) (50 mg/kg), CIBA C-11044 ( O -(2,5-dichloro-4-iodophenyl) O -ethyl O -methyl phosphorothioate) (100 mg/kg), and Hercules 18009 ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with 1-acetyl-3-(mercaptomethyl) hydantoin) (5 mg/kg).

Cattle grub control in Wyoming with a late-Summer dust-bag application of prolate.

One-half of a (cow-antl-calf herd was forced to use 10% Prolate® ( O, O -dimethyl S -phthalimidomethyl phosphorodithioate) in dust bags to obtain drinking water Aug. 30-Sept. 19, 1969. A dosage of 0.37 oz per animal per day reduced Hypoderma lineatum (de Villers) from 17.7 to 2.2 grubs per calf and from 4.4 to 1.1 grubs per cow, and H. bovis (L.) from 4.4 to 1.1 grubs per calf and from 3.1 to 0.1 grubs per cow. The technique is extremely promising. as it eliminates labor required by conventional methods of grub control.

Further evaluation of animal systemic insecticides, 1968.

The, following 9 compounds were active as animal insecticides when administered orally or subcutaneously to guinea pigs parasitized by nymphal lone star ticks, Amblyomma americanum (L.); larvae of the black blow fly, Phormia regina (Meigen), and the secondary screw-worm, Cochliomyia macellaria (F.); and adult stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L): Chevron 9006 (O , S-dimethyl phosphoramidothioate), Ciba C-768 (dimethyl phosphate ester with 2-chloro-N-methycrotona), Ciba C-776 (dimethyl phosphate ester with 2-chloro-N-ethylcrotonamide), Ciba C-2428 ( O, O -dimetllyl phosphorodithioate S-ester with N-isopropyl-2-mercapto-N-methoxyacetamide), duPont 1335 (methyl p -chloro-N-[(methylcarbamoyl) oxy]thiobenzimidate), Geigy GS-13798 (2-methyl-8-quinolyl methylcarbamate), Hercules 13462 ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with N -(1-mecaptoethyl)succinimide) , Pennsalt TD-72 (ethyl (mercap-toacetyl) methylcarbamate S-ester with O, O -diethyl phosphorodithioate), and Velsicol FCS-13 (O -ethyl-isopropyl-phosphoramidothioate S -ester with 2-mercapto-N-methcutaneously oxy- N -methylacetamide). These insecticides and the following 8 systemically active insecticides (previously tested) were administered orally or dermally to cattle for control of cattle grubs, Hypoderma spp: Bay 62863 (2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate), Bay 64995 ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorothioate O, O -diester with 4,4'-dithiodiphcnol), Bay 65258 ( O -ethyl-S-methyl phos-phoramidothioate), carbofuran, menazon, Schering 34615 ( m -cym-5-yl methylcarbamate), Stauffer B-9627 ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with mercapto-2-propanone diethyl mercaptole), and Stauffer R-3828 ( S -( p -chloro-a-phenylbenzyl) O, O -diethyl phosphorodithioate). Only Bay 64995 (15 mg/kg) and Stauffer B-9627 (20 mg/kg) administered orally by capsule gave> 90% concaptoethyl) trol of the grubs.