Flies and blowflies: A serious threat to cattle health

Flies and blowflies pose a significant threat to livestock health and productivity. They can contribute to poor weight gain, reduced milk production, and disrupted grazing patterns that lead to inadequate nutrient intake. They also act as carriers of microbes, bacteria, and fungi, contaminating equipment, feed, and eggs through their vomit or faeces. Dr Louis Boag, head of sales (ruminants) at Elanco South Africa, says cattle producers often underestimate this threat.

- By Christal-Lize Muller

Flies are coldblooded and rely on heat for survival and reproduction. As mechanical vectors, they spread pathogens via their bodies and legs. Effective, sustainable control requires a proactive, comprehensive strategy rather than simply reacting to infestations. Dr Boag explains that Elanco promotes a holistic approach to fly control, combining their range of products with management practices designed to reduce fly populations and minimise disease risks.

Impact on cattle productivity

Several fly species negatively affect cattle productivity, including biting flies (horn and stable flies) and non-biting flies (face and house flies). Grazing cattle are particularly affected by face and horn flies, which have significant impacts on livestock production and welfare.

House flies reproduce rapidly in manure, especially during warm months. They cause irritation by feeding on eye and nasal secretions, as well as open wounds. Their feeding and reproduction behaviour and structure of their legs and mouthparts facilitate the transmission of infections. In addition to these direct physical effects, house flies serve as mechanical vectors for numerous pathogens and diseases, including pink eye, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and mastitis.