Development and Implementation of a Cost-effective Integrated Pasture Fly Management Program for the Eastern US

Rutz, Donald; Kaufman, Phillip; Waldron, Keith; Watson, Wes

Development and Implementation of a Cost-effective Integrated Pasture Fly Management Program for the Eastern US

Abstract

The face fly and horn fly are the predominant arthropod pests of pastured cattle in the US. In recent years, the stable fly has emerged as a serious threat as well. These flies as well as the horse flies form a diverse and difficult to manage pest complex that impacts pastured dairy and beef cattle. These flies vector diseases, are extremely annoying and painful blood-feeders and reduce economic profitability to producers. The fly complex is difficult to control with current pesticide technology. However, the pending removal of several of the handful of remaining products registered for pasture fly control will create a crisis for the U.S. dairy and beef industry. An effective integrated approach to address this pest complex is crucial. We will address this challenge using a multi-state, multi-regional project (New York, North Carolina) that will deliver critically needed management solutions to U.S. dairy and beef producers. In Objectives 1 and 2, we will evaluate new trapping technologies against stable and horse flies and a recently developed face and stable fly targeted-application automatic sprayer utilizing a pyrethroid formulation. Through Objective 3 we will develop effective rearing techniques for the beetle parasitoid, Aleochara tristis, and evaluate its impact on pasture fly populations. These proposed solutions are cost-effective and easily incorporated into existing production systems. We anticipate that implementation, facilitated through proposed Extension outreach activities and web site development, will be rapid and widespread.

Date Issued

2004

Publisher

New York State IPM Program

Keywords

Agricultural IPM; Cattle; Livestock; Biocontrol; Communication

Types

report