Considerations for producers when it comes to fly, insect control 

Healthier herds with reduced production losses due to flies and insect pests can come from better management, but tools, control methods and practical guidance when it comes to pest control, can play a crucial role too.  

There’s several fly and insect control methods available commercially to help shield the herd and help the cattle perform.  

Ashby Green, DVM, senior technical services veterinarian with Neogen, said in a news release that seeing flies, ticks, lice or insect damage in the cattle herd, can easily clue producers in on a potential economic impact.  

“However, that impact can become far greater than production or weight gain loss alone,” Green said. “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.” 

House flies, horn flies, stable flies, and face flies as well as ticks can cause several herd health risks, Jonathan Cammack, PhD, D-ABFE, assistant professor and state Extension specialist with Oklahoma State University, told Neogen they can spread disease.  

Anaplasmosis is spread through vectors like horse flies, stable flies and ticks. This condition has been reported in most states across the country, while the disease has been recognized as endemic throughout the South, several midwestern states, and western states.  

“With horn flies, we’re looking at mastitis risk, so that’s going to impact both dairy cattle and also our cow-calf operations,” Cammack said. “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.”  

Pinkeye (Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis) is most often caused by face flies through the Moraxella bovis bacteria and causes inflammation and ulceration of the eyes. University research has shown those calves with pinkeye can average a 35- to-40-pound lighter weaning weight compared to their healthy counterparts. 

“We’re looking at probably $6 billion in losses annually to U.S. 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,” Cammack said.  

Ticks can cause economic risk and, according to Cammack, during a 100-day growing period, total weight gain in calves can decrease by about 20 pounds. For their older counterparts during the same time period a stocker calf can lose 60 pounds because of pest pressure. 

“With what current prices are, 60 pounds 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,” he said. 

As temperatures warm now is the time to implement steps to control flies and ticks. Green recommends a multi-pronged approach to insect control—using fly tags, feed through insect growth regulator products, pour-ons, back rubbers/dust bags—to help slow the population.  

According to Neogen, 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,” Green said. “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.” 

Cammack recommends helping prevent resistance to control methods, to use a two-pronged approach. 

“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,” he said. 

Cammack also stressed the importance of accurate dosing by the individual animal’s weight and following label guidelines.  

The easy and effective way is the best way,” Green said. “It’s up to you and with the help of your veterinarian to help create that combination.”  

Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].