Authors : Ema Maldonado-Siman , Pedro Arturo Martinez-Hernandez , Hector Sumano-Lopez , Carlos Cruz-Vazquez , Raymundo Rodriguez de Lara and Miguel Angel Alonso-Diaz
Abstract: Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus) is an economically important pest of livestock. Its infestation causes significant losses in meat and milk production, as well as damaging skin quality. Organic livestock production has increased because of market demands with emphasis on high standards in animal health and welfare and therefore, good production practices are warranted. To achieve this goal, epidemiological studies are needed to devise integrated pest management programs capable of reducing parasite burden to an economic threshold for organic dairy production. Consequently, the objective of the study was to determine Haematobia irritans population seasonality and to relate these changes with weather factors. Field phase was developed in an organic dairy farm located in a Mexican temperate climate throughout a 2 years period (2003 and 2004). Weekly horn fly counts and 4 weathers parameters were measured and correlated for each year and years combined. Flies were found on cattle year round in both years the highest loads were 130 flies cow-1 in 2003 and 255 flies cow-1 in 2004 both in summer. Rainfall showed the highest correlation (r = 0.68) with horn fly in 2004 and for years combined (r = 0.67), while in 2003, it was relative humidity with a correlation of r = 0.75. The lower counts of horn flies on cattle found in winter and early spring were associated with a drier environment and relative lower air temperatures; however, none of the weather factors were severe enough to achieve a complete elimination of flies, the year round presence and summer peaks of flies can be a constraint to animal welfare and production. It was concluded that yearly fly population changes can be associated to weather factors and mild temperatures in winter allows finding flies on cattle year-round.
Ema Maldonado-Siman , Pedro Arturo Martinez-Hernandez , Hector Sumano-Lopez , Carlos Cruz-Vazquez , Raymundo Rodriguez de Lara and Miguel Angel Alonso-Diaz , 2009. Population Fluctuation of Horn Fly (Haematobia irritans) in an Organic Dairy Farm. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 1292-1297.