Musca Autumnalis Research Articles

Control of Face and Horn Flies with Ectiban Tail Tapes on Dairy Cattle, 1984

Abstract A herd of 26 dairy cows at the University of Missouri Foremost Dairy was treated on 20 Jun with 1 Ectiban tail tape/tail. The tapes contained 1.8 g permethrin each and were wrapped loosely above the switch of the cleaned tail. The 3 pesticide-containing glass vials within the tapes were crushed after installation on each animal treated. Retention was unsatisfactory (96% loss within 6 days); therefore, new tapes were installed on 5 Jul. The latter tapes were applied by first crushing the glass vials and then stretching the tapes firmly around the animals’ cleaned tails. A nearby herd of 15 untreated dairy cows served as a control during the course of the experiment and a herd of 28 beef cows treated with two 7.5% flucythrinate (Guardian) ear tags/head was used as a standard. In all cases, assessment of treatment efficiency was made on a weekly basis via inspection of 15 head selected at random from each herd. Inspections were made only during mid-day while the animals were pastured away from barns and corrals. Face flies were counted on the entire face and horn flies on a single side of each animal examined. Data thus obtained were converted to log10 (n +1) prior to analysis; however, true averages were tabulated.

Evaluation of Ear Tag Devices for Face Fly and Horn Fly Control on Beef Cattle, 1983

Abstract Atroban permethrin 10% AI ear tags (2 tags/cow), Ectiban permethrin 0.9 g AI ear tag tapes (1 tape/cow), Ectrin fenvalerate 8% AI ear tags (2 tags/cow) and Permectrin permethrin 10% AI ear tags (2 tags/cow) were evaluated for horn fly and face fly control on 8, separately pastured, mixed-breed beef cattle herds. Treatment herd size ranged from 20 to 50 cows/herd. A separately pastured, untreated herd of 50 mixed-breed beef cows served as a control. Horn fly and face fly counts were made on 10 randomly selected cows in each herd at weekly posttreatment intervals. Horn flies were counted on 1 side and face flies on the entire face of each animal.

Evaluation of Three Formulations of Guardian 7.5% Ear Tags for Face Fly and Horn Fly Control on Beef Cattle, 1984

Abstract Efficacy was evaluated Jun–Sep for face fly and horn fly control on beef cattle. Ectrin 8.0% ear tags and Permectrin 10.0% ear strips were evaluated for comparative efficacy. The following treatment groups were established on mixed-breed herds in Montgomery CO, VA: A) Guardian 7.5% ear tag (Formulation ‘A’), consisting of 20 cows, 20 calves, and one bull. Each animal received 2 ear tags, one in each ear, on 14 Jun. B) Guardian 7.5% ear tag (Formulation ‘B’), consisting of 40 heifers and 2 bulls. Each animal received 2 ear tags, one in each ear, on 15 Jun. C) Guardian 7.5% esir tag (Formulation ‘C’), consisting of 26 heifers and 10 steers. Each animal received 2 ear tags, 1 in each ear, on 15 Jun. The steers were later removed from pasture and only the heifers were used for evaluation. D) Ectrin 8.0% ear tag, consisting of 39 cows, 39 calves, and 1 bull. Each animal received 2 ear tags, 1 in each ear, on 14 Jun. E) Permectrin 10.0% ear strip, consisting of 21 cows, 21 calves, and 1 bull. Each animal received 2 ear strips, 1 in each ear, on 25 Jun. F) Untreated control, consisting of 21 cows and 16 calves. All test herds were maintained in separate pastures and all were situated within ca. 2 mi of each other. Weekly face fly and horn fly estimations were made by the same person on 10 adult animals per herd for 12 wk posttreatment. Numbers of face flies were estimated on the face and head and horn flies on one side of each animal. Pretreatment counts were made on all herds, except treatment E.

Evaluation of Ectiban Tail Tapes and Dustacator for Face Fly and Horn Fly Control on Dairy Cattle, 1984

Abstract The following treatment groups were established 22 Jun on 3 non-lactating dairy herds located on the VPI&SU Dairy Cattle Center in Blacksburg, VA: A) Ectiban tail tapes (1.2 g permethrin per tape). Thirty-one Holstein cows received 1 Ectiban tail tape each, attached to the tail above the switch. B) Dustacator dust applicator/mineral feeder charged with Coral 1.0% dust. Guardian 7.5% ear tags were also attached to the bottom of the dust skirt, spaced 4 inches apart, and numbering 37. A trace mineral block was supported in a cage which was surrounded by the dust skirt. The Dustacator was placed in a location where the herd (25 Holstein cows, 1 Jersey cow) had access to it every day. C) Untreated control, consisting of ca. 30 Holstein cows. All test herds were maintained in separate pastures, and all were within ca. 2 mi of each other. Weekly face fly and horn fly estimations were made by the same person on 10 animals per herd for 10-wk posttreatment. Numbers of face flies were estimated on the face and head and horn flies on one side of each animal.

Carbonic anhydrase in the face fly, Musca autumnalis (degeer) (Diptera: Muscidae)

Carbonic anhydrase was detected in the face fly, Musca autumnalis, and the development profile of the enzyme showed that maximum enzymatic activity occurred in the post-feeding larva. By comparison, little carbonic anhydrase activity was observed in post-feeding larvae of the house fly, Musca domestica. The enzyme was localized in the haemolymph, salivary glands, midgut and brain of post-feeding face fly larvae using an electrometric assay and Hansson's histochemical technique. No enzymatic activity was detected in the anterior Malpighian tubules, posterior Malpighian tubules, fat body, tracheae and carcass. These findings suggest that carbonic anhydrase has no function in the formation of the calcospherites located in the anterior Malpighian tubules of post-feeding larvae, but may be important in the ecdysial elimination of minerals during pupariation.

Dimilin Boluses, Guardian Ear Tags and Rabon Mineral Blocks for Cattle Fly Control

Abstract Ten percent 50g Dimilin boluses were compared to 0.463% Rabon Sweetlix mineral blocks and 7.5% Guardian ear tags for face fly and horn fly control on cattle. Five mixed-breed beef cow-calf herds and 1 herd of mixed-breed heifers were assigned to treatments as indicated in the table below. Ear tag treatments were done on 13 and 21 Jun at the rate of 2 tags/hd, and bolus treatments were administered on 21 Jun at the rate of 1 bolus/50kg of body weight/cow; calves received 0.5 bolus each. The Rabon Sweetlix mineral blocks were placed on 2 covered mineral feeders at the rate of 1 block/5 cows on 5 Jul. New Rabon blocks were added when 0.67 of the original amount was consumed. Horn fly numbers were estimated on 1 side of each of 10 cows and the total face flies found on the faces of these same cows were recorded. The mean number of flies was used for determining fly reduction.

Comparison of Guardian, Ectrin and Fearing Insecticide Tags for Face Fly Control, 1984

Abstract Three separately pastured groups of cattle were ear tagged (1 tag/hd) the first week of Jun with 1 of the following insecticide tags; Guardian flucyfhrinate (7.5% AI), Ectrin fenvalerate (8.0% AI), or Fearing permethrin (94.0% AI). The groups with Guardian or Ectrin tags each contained 50 Hereford x Angus yearling heifers. The group with Fearing tags consisted of 16 mixed breed cattle of various ages and sex. An untagged group of 23 Hereford x Angus heifers served as a control. Face fly counts were made once/week from 14 Jun-2 Aug on 10 randomly selected cattle from each group between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

Use of age structure to assess insecticidal treatments of face fly populations, Musca autumnalis DeGeer (Diptera: Muscidae).

During a 6-year study of Musca autumnalis DeGeer population ecology in central Iowa, various ear-tag treatments were applied to cattle. Zero, one, or two tags impregnated with 10% permethrin or 13.7% stirofos were applied to cows at a cow/calf operation of between 250 and 350 head. The ecological studies permitted a test of the hypothesis of ear tag effectiveness without the bias of fly counts being associated with a particular treatment. The proportions of parous flies were used as an index of fly population age structure and were homogeneous among years. Thus adult survival rates were not detectably different. No effects of ear tags on face fly populations were detected.

Effect of Larval Treatment with Azadirachtin, a Molting Inhibitory Component of the Neem Tree 1 , on Reproductive Capacity of the Face Fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae)

When third-instar larvae of the face fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer, were exposed to 0.00001 µg/ml and 0.000039 µg/ml solutions of azadirachtin in aqueous acetone for 20 min, 2.75 and 11.5%, respectively, of the larvae died, and in 21.4 and 52.6%, respectively, inhibition of adult formation was recorded. These treatments also affected the reproductive potential of surviving adults. Reductions of 67.2 and 85.95% respectively, in egg production were observed when treated males were mated with treated females. Lower reductions in number of eggs hatching were observed when untreated males or females were mated with treated individuals. Egg hatchability decreased more than 30 and 60% by the lower and higher treatments, respectively.

Annulate lamellae in giant cells surrounding nematode parasites ( Thelazia) of the face fly, Musca autumnalis

Annulate lamellae were found in giant cells produced by the face fly, Musca autumnalis, in response to parasitization by the nematode Thelazia sp. These membranous organelles were not found in giant cells 3 or 9 days postinfection, but appeared at 6 days when there was a concommitant increase in rupturing of the nuclear envelope of host nuclei located within the syncytium. Electron micrographs showed direct continuity between annulate lamellae and both smooth and rough endoplasmic reticula. Also, numerous polyribosomes and mitochondria were always associated with this membranous organelle.

The face fly (Diptera: Muscidae): effect on holstein milk secretion.

Three switchback-design field trials were conducted in which we compared milk quantity and quality between herds of Holstein cows, one protected from face flies, Musca autumnalis De Geer, and the other exposed to face flies. Cows were between the peak and the middle of lactation, fed and milked similarly, and grazed on adjacent pastures while alternately protected from or exposed to face flies during three 10-day penods. Data concerning face fly numbers, and milkweights and silage consumption were taken for each cow daily; milk samples for chemical analysis were taken each second or third day. With one exception, the results for each trial showed that average milkweight values did not differ between exposed and protected cows, despite marked differences in face fly numbers. Further, no consistent differences were observed in percentage of milkfat, percentage of protein, percentage of nonfat solids, or somatic cell counts. Silage consumption and silage conversion efficiency were also similar for protected and exposed herds. We therefore conclude that exposure to greater numbers of face flies resulted in little, if any, effect on milk secretion.

Evaluation of a New Face Fly and Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Trap which Segregates the Catch of the Two Species 1

A single, newly designed, white, octahedron-shaped trap caught as many face flies, Musca autumnalis De Geer, and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans L., as did a white tetrahedron and a Williams-type trap individually. A new product, Olson Stiky Stuff™ was as effective as tack trap in capturing flies and was easier to apply. Clear alsynite panels painted white (TiO2.) were cheaper, easier to use, and sometimes more attractive to face flies than were plywood panels painted white. Total hemispherical reflectance of wavelengths between 330 and 430 nm is related to face fly catch.

Relationship of the Face Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) to Pinkeye in Cattle: A Review and Synthesis of the Relevant Literature12

The literature pertaining to the association of the face fly, Musca autumnalis , with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK or pinkeye) is reviewed. Data currently available fulfill the criteria (similar to Koch's postulates) necessary to incriminate the face fly as a vector of Moraxella bovis . Attempts at face fly control can therefore be justified as part of a comprehensive IBK management program.

The Localization, Purification and Partial Characterization of Carbonic Anhydrase in the Face Fly, Musca autumnalis

The Localization, Purification and Partial Characterization of Carbonic Anhydrase in the Face Fly, <i>Musca autumnalis</i>

Influence of monensin on the performance of cattle.

Performance data on nearly 16,000 head of cattle that were used in trials to document effects of monensin on feedlot cattle were summarized. Cattle fed monensin-containing diets gained 1.6% faster, consumed 6.4% less feed and required 7.5% less feed/100 kg gain than cattle fed control diets. Monensin resulted in the greatest improvement in feed/gain at 2.9 Mcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg diet dry matter (DM). Within the range of monensin concentrations used in the trials that were summarized (31.8 +/- 7.5 mg/kg DM), high monensin concentrations did not improve feed/gain over that obtained with lower concentrations. Carcass characteristics were not significantly influenced by monensin. Responses of cattle to monensin and implants were additive. Energy metabolism data suggested that monensin improved digestibility of DM, reduced fasting heat production and increased dietary net energy maintenance (NEm) values more than it increased net energy gain (NEg) values. Data showing the response of cattle to monensin when fed various dietary protein concentrations or sources of supplemental N suggested that monensin had a protein sparing effect. Monensin has also been shown to reduce lactic acid production, aid in the control of coccidia and bloat and to be toxic to face and horn fly larva in feces of monensin-fed cattle. In pasture trials, monensin improved daily gains. When fed to beef cows, monensin reduced amounts of feed required to maintain cow weight.

Biological Activity of Azadirachtin, Component of the Neem Tree1 Inhibiting Molting in the Face Fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae)

The possible effects of azadirachtin, a component of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, in inhibiting molting in larvae of the face fly, Musca autumnalis DeGeer, were studied. Apart from delayed lethal action, effects on the pupation, adult emergence, and size of pupae or adults have been considered. A baseline exposure for 10 or 20min, ranging from 0.00001 to O.1μg/ml, was used, causing about 20 or 22.5 to 83.5 or 97.6% inhibition (inhibition of adult-concentration-probability lines). Doses required to inhibit the emergence of 50% of the adults (IC50) were found to be very low (0.0024 and 0.000039 μg/ml for the 10- and 20-min exposure times, respectively. The compound is characterized by its inhibition or prevention of formation of adult morphology. The effects on pupae (basedon proportion of undeveloped individuals) and adults (based on incomplete development, attachment to puparia, or inability to fly) were dose-dependent. The development from third larval instar to adult was completely inhibited by exposure to 0.1 μg/ml for 20 min(97.58%). No adults were obtained at doses of 1.10, 10.0, and 100.0 μg/ml. These concentrations caused about 100% mortality of larvae or developed pupae. Results showed a reduction in M. autumnalis size as a function of azadirachtin exposure. There seemed to bea direct relationship between the size of the resulting pupae or adult males and females, since treatment of larvae with 0.00001 to O.1μg/ml azadirachtin caused significant reductions in the pupal weights and dimensions, adult weights, wing dimensions, or interocular distances. Treatments with 0.00001 and 0.001 μg/ml resulted in an insignificant increase(0.8–1.6%) in female wing length/width. Concentrations 0.001, 0.01, and O.1μg/ml also did not significantly affect the wing dimensions of females.

Transmission of Moraxella bovis from blood agar cultures to Hereford cattle by face flies (Diptera: Muscidae).

The ability of Musca autumnalis DeGeer to transmit the bacterium Moraxella bovis (Hauduroy) from laboratory cultures to cattle was investigated. Face flies were exposed to M. bovis on blood agar plates for 3 h and were then released in screened pens containing Hereford heifers. Sixteen animals were exposed in four replicated tests. Moraxella bovis was isolated from all animals and 75% of the eyes exposed to infected face flies. The organism was not isolated from 16 animals exposed to noninfected face flies. Eye lesions characteristic of clinical infectious bovine kera to conjunctivitis developed in 7 of the 24 (29%) infected eyes.

Transmission of Moraxella bovis by regurgitation from the crop of the face fly (Diptera: Muscidae).

Face flies which had been fed a solution of fluorescein isothiocyanate in Trypticase-soy broth were caged over the eyes of calves to ascertain whether the flies regurgitated onto the surface of the eye while they were feeding. We observed fluorescence in and around the eyes of all the calves after flies were removed. A suspension of M. bovis was fed to face flies which were confined over the eyes of healthy calves in an attempt to transmit the bacteria to the calves. Infectious bovine kera to conjunctivitis symptoms developed in 6 of 10 eyes in these transmission attempts.

A Comparison of Electrophoretic and Morphometric Variability in the Face Fly, Musca autumnalis

A Comparison of Electrophoretic and Morphometric Variability in the Face Fly, Musca autumnalis

AN EVALUATION OF FENVALERATE (BOVAID) EARTAGS AS AN IMPROVEMENT IN FLY CONTROL METHODS FOR INCREASED MILK PRODUCTION IN DAIRY HERDS

A field study was conducted on 60 cooperating dairy farms in Southwestern Ontario to determine the effect of fenvalerate-impregnated (8% wt/wt) eartags (Bovaid (Registered trademark CIBA-GEIGY Canada Ltd.)) on fly control and milk production. Herds were assigned to either a tagged or control treatment. Fly counts were made on 15 randomly selected cows in each herd at approximately 2-wk intervals from July to September. Producers of control herds in this study conducted normal management practices including, in most cases, conventional fly control methods. Therefore, the comparison in this study is between the fenvalerate-impregnated tag and more conventional means of fly control. Milk production data were obtained from DHIC and Ontario Milk Marketing Board records. The use of the Bovaid tag resulted in complete control of horn flies (Haematobia irritans) and a 75% reduction in face flies (Musca autumnalis) over the test period. Milk production was not significantly affected by treatment although a 2–3% improvement was observed in treated animals. A milk production effect of 7% would be required for statistical significance (P &lt; 0.05). Key words: Fenvalerate, ear tags, fly control, milk production