Managing Flies on Cattle with Dr. Cassandra Olds

Welcome to DocTalk! Dr. Dan Thomson is joined by Dr. Cassandra Olds, a veterinary medical entomologist from Kansas State University, to dive deep into the challenges flies pose to cattle and how to manage them effectively.

🦟 Understanding Fly Problems:
- Fly Worry: Flies cause significant irritation and production losses. They drain energy, reduce weight 
   gains, and milk yields, and can lead to secondary infections.
- Types of Flies: Learn about the four main flies affecting cattle: houseflies, stable flies, face flies, 
   and horn flies.

🚫 Fly Management Strategies:
1. Houseflies & Stable Flies:
   - Breeding Environment: Clean decaying organic matter, excess feed, and areas around railings and 
     water troughs.
   - Pesticide Limitations: These flies spend minimal time on cattle, making traditional sprays 
     ineffective.

2. Horn Flies & Face Flies:
   - Pasture Management: Rotate pastures to disrupt breeding cycles.
   - Pesticides: Use ear tags, pour-ons, and insect growth regulators (IGRs) effectively. 

🔍 Tips for Effective Control:
- Use Two Fly Tags: One tag isn’t enough; it leaves one side untreated and can promote resistance.
- Tag Duration: Tags are effective for about 100 days, not the 5 months often advertised.
- IGRs: Best for horn and face flies but not effective for houseflies and stable flies due to dilution in 
   mixed environments.

🌱 Conclusion: Keeping cattle free from fly infestations involves proper identification, cleaning breeding environments, and correctly using control products. 

For more detailed insights, watch the full episode on our channel and visit www.doctalktv.com. Always consult with your local veterinarian for tailored advice.

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