By Jamie Martin
Summer conditions increase the risk of external parasites that affect livestock health and productivity. Flies and ticks are major concerns, causing stress, disease, and reduced performance in animals.
Flies such as horn flies, face flies, and horse flies are commonly found around livestock. Horn flies stay mainly on the animal’s back and sides, while face flies gather near the eyes and nose. These pests irritate animals, reduce feeding time, and lower milk and weight gain.
Ticks are equally dangerous as they spread harmful diseases. The Asian longhorned tick has become a growing concern and is known to transmit Theileria, which can cause severe anemia. Ticks also carry anaplasmosis, another disease that damages red blood cells and weakens livestock.
Prevention starts with maintaining clean pastures. Cutting tall grass and removing thick vegetation reduces areas where ticks live. Farmers can also use fly traps in barns and areas where animals gather.
Different insecticide methods are available. Pour-on, rub-on, and spray products are commonly used to control parasites. Fly rub devices and treated strips attached to feeders allow animals to self-apply treatments.
Mineral supplements containing insect growth regulators help prevent fly breeding by stopping larvae development in manure. These should be given before flies become active for the best results.
Fly tags provide continuous protection by slowly releasing insecticides. However, using the same treatment repeatedly can lead to resistance. Rotating products with different active ingredients each year is an important step in long-term parasite management.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: National