ads

.
javascript:void(0)

Nov 6, 2010

Family Muscidae..Genus Hematobia (Horn Flies)

These are called Horn flies.
These are smallest blood sucking flies which are responsible for the transmission of filarial worms.
There are 3 main species;
  • H. Irritans
  • H. Stimulans
  • H. Exigua
Host is cattle and buffalo.
Morphology:
  • Size of adult fly is 4mm and it is of grey color.
  • Several dark stripes are present on thorax.
  • Abdomen is dark green in color and shorter than musca.
  • Mouth part is projected forward and called as proboscis.
  • Pulps are long and stout.
  • Mouth part consists of Hypopharynx, Maxilla, mandibles, labium and labrum.
  • Flies lay egg on freshly passed feces.
  • Flies remain on host and leave the host when to go on another host.
Life Cycle:
  • Flies lay egg on freshly passed feces.
  • Size of egg is about 1-1.5mm.
  • Egg hatch immediately and larva develop.
  • 27°C is the ideal temperature for larval development. Low temperature delays development.
  • From the larvae, pupa develops within 6-8 days.
  • From pupa, adult emerges and adult remains on the host.
Pathogenic Effects:
  • Flies are present in abundance on the ventral abdomen, side and back of the animal and suck blood.
  • When not sucking blood, these are present around the pole and cause great irritation and restlessness for animal.
  • Due to constant irritation, create wounds that attract other flies and result in blow fly myiasis. This also leads to secondary bacterial Infections.
  • These flies create Great economic losses. It is responsible for transmission of filarial worms.
Treatment & Control:
  • Use sprays on animal.
  • All of the drugs discussed previously apply on this too.
  • Control of these flies is very easy because these live on host.

0 comments:

Post a Comment