Stomoxys calcitrans (1)

Question 1

What is the common name?

Answer 1

Stable fly

Biting housefly

Question 2

What are the hosts?

Answer 2

Any animals

Humans

Question 3

Describe adults

Answer 3

Long pointed proboscis

 - Prominent, Rigid, Conspicuous, Forward projecting 
 - Forms piercing and sucking organ

5.5-7.5 mm

Shorter abdomen
- 3 dark spots on second and third abdominal segments

Flies sit with head up, rear end down

Question 4

Describe eggs

Answer 4

Creamy white

1 mm

Banana shaped

Question 5

Explain life cycle

Answer 5

Egg -> Larva -> Pupae -> Adult

Feeds on blood
- Requires 3 minutes to finish its blood meal

Flies prefer to lay eggs (batches of 25-50) in decaying vegetable matter (hay and straw contaminated with urine, lawn clippings, damp grain)

3 larval (instar) stages

Pupa

Adult - Feed on blood 1-2 times/day

Length of life cycle: 7 days - several months

Question 6

What are the sites of infestation?

Answer 6

Anywhere on animal

In barns

Sits on walls in characteristic head up posture

Question 7

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 7

General nuisance

Males and females avid blood feeders (any warm-blooded animal)

Increased head/ear movement, skin twitches, tail swishes in animals

Bite is painful
- Interrupted feeding patterns in animals

Mechanical Vectors

 - Anthrax
 - Trypanosomes
 - Equine Infectious anemia

Intermediate host for Habronema muscae

Question 8

How do you diagnose?

Answer 8

Fly identification

Question 9

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 9

Do no treat compost

Insecticides (Organophosphates, Pyrethroids, others)

Control flies
     - Regular application of insecticides to animals and fly breeding 
        sites
     - Aerosol space sprays
     - Residual insecticides 
     - Solid or liquid fly baits
     - Ear tags
     - Sanitation 
     - Reduced breeding places

Question 10

What is important about Stomoxys calcitrans?

Answer 10

It is ZOONOTIC