Difference between revisions of "Hippoboscidae"

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(Created page with '*Also known as louse flies *The two genera of veterinary importance are ''Hippobosca'' and ''Melophagus'' ===''Hippobosca'' spp.=== *Also known as forest flies *Only parasit…')
 
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*The two genera of veterinary importance are ''Hippobosca'' and ''Melophagus''
 
*The two genera of veterinary importance are ''Hippobosca'' and ''Melophagus''
  
 
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===''Hippobosca'' spp.===
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'''[[Hippobosca spp.|''Hippobosca spp.'']]
 
 
*Also known as forest flies
 
 
 
*Only parasitises horses and cattle
 
 
 
*Only found in the Old World
 
 
 
*Large numbers found around the perineum and inner thighs
 
 
 
 
 
'''Recognition'''
 
*1cm long
 
 
 
*Reddish brown
 
 
 
*Yellow spots on thorax and abdomen
 
 
 
*Clear wings
 
 
 
*Reduced wings with veins crowded towards anterior margins
 
**Not a strong flier
 
 
 
*Forward pointing proboscis which can be retracted into head when not feeding
 
**Both males and females suck blood
 
 
 
 
 
'''Life cycle'''
 
*Adults are on the wing between May and October
 
 
 
*Adults mate on the host
 
 
 
*Single larvae laid in soil or damp humus
 
 
 
*Adult flies emerge the following spring
 
 
 
 
 
'''Pathogenesis'''
 
*Irritation and annoyance from bites
 
 
 
*Mechanical vectors of non-pathogenic ''Trypanosoma theileri'' in cattle
 
 
 
 
 
'''Control'''
 
*Topical [[Ectoparasiticides|insecticide]] application
 
**Repellents with residual action
 
  
  
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===''Melophagus'' spp.===
 
===''Melophagus'' spp.===
  

Revision as of 14:48, 29 March 2010

  • Also known as louse flies
  • The two genera of veterinary importance are Hippobosca and Melophagus

Hippobosca spp.


Melophagus spp.

  • Also known as sheep ked
  • Found worldwide
  • Bites sheep and goats
    • A separate species is found on deer


Recognition

  • 4-6mm long
  • Hairy
  • Forward pointing proboscis
  • Short head
  • Reddish brown colouring
  • Dorso-ventrally flattened
  • 'Tick-like' in appearance
  • Wingless
  • Strong legs and claws


Life cycle

  • Whole life cycle spent on the host
    • Adults may survive for 1 week off the host
  • Single larvae laid on fleece which pupate
  • Adult keds emerge a few weeks to a few months after pupating depending on environmental temperature


Pathogenesis

  • Most numerous in autumn and winter
  • Located in the superficial layers of the fleece
    • This aids transmission
  • Long wooled breeds are most susceptible to infection
  • Cause anaemia
  • Wool damage
    • Irritation and self-inflicted damage
    • Staining by ked faeces
  • Intermediate host for non-pathogenic Trypanosoma melophagium in sheep


Control

  • Sheep dipping and spraying
  • Shearing to decrease numbers