Difference between revisions of "Hydrotaea irritans"

From WikiVet English
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 41: Line 41:
  
 
[[Category:Nuisance Flies]]
 
[[Category:Nuisance Flies]]
 +
[[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]]

Revision as of 21:41, 25 June 2010

H.irritans female - Copyright Alan Hadley
H.irritans male - Copyright Alan Hadley
  • Also known as the 'head fly'
  • Hydrotaea irritans the main species of veterinary importance
  • Mainly a problem of sheep
    • In some areas it is the most numerous fly of cattle and horses


Recognition

  • Similar to Musca spp.
  • Olive green abdomen
  • 4-7mm in length


Life Cycle

  • Eggs laid in decaying vegetation, faeces and in carrion (in the summer months)
  • Emerging larvae overwinter (diapause) and pupate in spring
  • Adult flies emerge in the summer
  • One generation per year


Pathogenesis

  • Cattle
    • Evidence suggests that they transmit summer mastitis
  • Sheep
    • Cause extreme irritation
      • Mouthparts rasp the skin to feed on secretions and exudate
    • Leads to self-inflicted damage
      • E.g. 'Broken Head'
    • Secondary bacterial infection may occur
    • Blowfly strike may follow