Here are some proven fly and insect control tips. With the modalities of fly and insect control available today, cattle producers do everything short of shielding their herd’s health and performance with a magnetic force. To promote healthier herds and prevent production losses to cattle operations, let’s review practical guidance on control methods.
More than annoyance: Impact on health and profits
“If you are seeing flies, ticks, lice or insect damage to your cattle herd, we know there is an economic impact; however, that impact can become far greater than production or weight gain loss alone,” says Ashby Green, DVM, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian with Neogen®. “Insect pressure affects grazing patterns of cattle, it affects their comfort, and it can lead to health issues. Some of those health issues can be definite, such as anaplasmosis.”
Herd Health
Commonly referred to as “filth flies,” insects such as house flies, horn flies, stable flies, and face flies – as well as ticks – present many herd health risks, according to Jonathan Cammack, PhD, D-ABFE, Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist with Oklahoma State University.
The vectors responsible for spreading anaplasmosis include horse flies, stable flies, and ticks. This condition has been reported in most states across the United States, while the disease has been recognized as endemic throughout the south, several midwestern states, and western states.1
“With horn flies, we’re looking at mastitis risk, so that’s going to impact both dairy cattle and also our cow/calf operations,” shares Dr. Cammack. “A lot of times, horn flies will feed on the udders of the animals, and they transfer the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with them because they land on the manure, then they go back to the animal to feed and bring those bacteria with them.”
Several other conditions are propagated by flies or ticks, including pinkeye (Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis), which can be spread by face flies through the Moraxella bovis bacteria and causes inflammation and ulceration of the eyes. Pinkeye-affected calves are on average 35 to 40 lbs lighter at weaning compared to healthy calves, according to a University of Kentucky report.2
With these implications at stake, the message is clear: Insect control, including flies, ticks, and lice, is a very important part of best animal husbandry practices for livestock operations. Dr. Green shares that, “In more recent years, studies have demonstrated that a 2,000 lb bull or 1,300 lb cow can detect when a fly lands on their skin.”
Profitability
Due to flies, “We’re looking at probably $6 billion in losses annually to US cattle production, and that encompasses everything from actual loss in production due to decreased weight gain or decreased milk production, veterinary needs associated with treatment of cattle with exposure to pathogens from some of these insects, and then also the control measures associated with managing those individual fly species,” says Dr. Cammack.
In addition to flies, ticks present lofty economic risks, as well. Dr. Cammack shares how, “over a 100-day growing period, we can see a decrease in total weight gain in calves by about 20 lbs. For stockers over that same 100-day period during the summer months, we see a decrease in weight gain by about 60 lbs. With what current prices are, 60 lbs could translate to a significant amount of money returned when we’re talking about the few dollars that it might cost for some tick control.”
Controlling flies and insects: Tips to implement
Now is the time to take steps to control flies and ticks, as populations emerge with the warmer weather.
Dr. Green recommends using a multi-pronged approach to insect control. Fly tags, feed-through insect growth regulator (IGR) products, pour-ons, back rubbers, and dust bags can help diminish the population. A pour-on with an IGR destroys the larval development in flies and greatly reduces the fly population. For ultimate control using a pour-on, look to a unique combination of actives within one solution that includes an IGR, an adulticide, and a synergist that supplies relief to cattle from infestations and provides producers with a reliable solution that helps minimize handling, time, and labor costs.
“Both back rubbers and dust bags can be highly effective if managed correctly. Keep in mind that, when these are put out to withstand the elements, including moisture and rain, it’s key to keep the dust fresh or the oil recharged in your back rubbers. Otherwise, they will diminish in their ability to control flies quickly,” advises Dr. Green.
In order to prevent the issue of resistance, Dr. Cammack recommends that cattle producers follow a two-pronged approach to fly and insect control. In essence, “Use IGRs to help tackle the larval flies that are in decomposing resources, and use other compounds or products, whether it’s an ear tag or a pour-on, for the adult flies.”
Dr. Cammack also stressed the importance of accurate dosing by the individual animal’s weight and following label guidelines.
To best control flies and insects on cattle operations, “The easy and effective way is the best way,” concludes Dr. Green. “It’s up to you and with the help of your veterinarian to help create that combination.”
To learn more, visit Prozap.com or speak with your Neogen representative.
References:
1 United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. January 2024. Bovine anaplasmosis. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/bovine-anaplasmosis-infosheet.pdf
2 Arnold, M., & Lehmkuhler, J. (n.d.). Fact sheet: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis or “pinkeye” in cattle. University of Kentucky. https://ruminant.ca.uky.edu/files/factsheet_on_pinkeye_final.pdf
About Neogen
Neogen Corporation is committed to fueling a brighter future for global food security through the advancement of human and animal well-being. Harnessing the power of science and technology, Neogen has developed comprehensive solutions spanning the Food Safety, Livestock, and Pet Health & Wellness markets. A world leader in these fields, Neogen has a presence in over 140 countries with a dedicated network of scientists and technical experts focused on delivering optimized products and technology for its customers.
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