Tip of the Month
July 2007
(Archive )

Shoo Fly, Don't Bother My Cows

by Chris Ashworth, DVM, Monsanto Dairy Business

Economic losses from flies can be broken down into three main categories: Direct damage from bites: blood loss, tissue consumption and allergic reactions to the host. Indirect damage: introduction of pathogenic organisms, accidents and increased susceptibility to stressors. Flies have the ability to transmit a number of diseases including Anthrax, Brucellosis, Pink eye and Staph and Strep infections. The losses from pink eye, mastitis and reduced feed efficiency are the greatest economic loss. Peripheral effects: damage to facilities and secondary production losses caused by control efforts.

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Shoo Fly continued