The smallest of the biting muscids, approximately 4.0mm long.
Eggs are laid on fresh faeces, these hatch quickly and can mature in 4 days
The pupal period is 6-8 days, they emerge and seek cattle.
Adults remain on host, females only leave to lay eggs on faeces.
Often occur in large numbers, when not feeding they rest around the horn region.
Large numbers cause skin irritation and wounds by them may attract myasis producing flies.
Intermediate host of Stephanofilaria stilesi a parasite of cattle in North America
Control use to be by use of pour-ons, backrubbers and face powder bags.
Co-Ral is available as dust for face/horn flies.
Dust bags and backrubbers (self-applicator methods) used mainly for range or pasture herds.
These applicators are placed so animals cannot avoid coming into contact with it, such as at a gate through which animals pass
Click here for image of self-applicator
Control of Horn fly using ear tags has been extremely successful.
Ear tags comprise of a PVC matrix impregnated with pyrethoid, they are effective for 16/24 weeks.
These ear tags were used against ticks as well and by 1983 50% of cattle had ear tags.
Long periods of dosing eliminated 95-99% of susceptible flies, this strong selection pressure resulting in resistance.
The use of Organophosphates and piperonyl butoxide as a synergist could be alternated with pyrethroid my help slow resistance.
Methoprene in the form of sustained release boluses inhibits eclosion of adults for up to 7 months.
Subcutaneous ivermectin at 5mcg/Kg can give control for 11 weeks.
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