Management Practices for the Control of Haematobia irritans, Dermatobia hominis, and Cochliomyia hominivorax in Cattle Across Latin America: A Sustainable, Collective Approach

TL;DR

This paper reviews sustainable methods to control harmful flies affecting cattle in Latin America, aiming to reduce economic losses and improve animal welfare.

Contribution

The paper presents a collective and sustainable approach integrating non-chemical methods to combat insecticide-resistant fly populations in cattle.

Findings

Insecticide resistance in fly populations is a growing concern, reducing the effectiveness of chemical control.

Integrated non-chemical methods are being adopted to complement or replace insecticides for sustainable fly control.

Environmental and biological control strategies are gaining importance for livestock health and environmental safety.

Abstract

Bovines are suitable hosts and can be affected by fly infestations. Flies pose a significant threat to cattle livestock in Latin America (LA), causing substantial economic repercussions to animal production (reduced productivity, veterinary expenses, and decreased animal welfare) and damage to human health. The most important flies affecting cattle in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay are Haematobia irritans, Dermatobia hominis, and Cochliomyia hominivorax. Due to production losses and the consequent economic costs associated with these flies, control measures must be implemented, primarily relying on insecticidal products. However, decision-making for preventing and treating animals with insecticides varies due to differences in environmental conditions across countries and regions, production systems, animal populations, infestation levels, animal welfare, and the prevalence of myiasis, among other factors. Although insecticides remain the most effective option for fly control in cattle, resistant populations have developed, rendering them less effective. To overcome fly resistance to insecticides, non-chemical (mechanical, environmental, biological, and genetic) methods are being integrated into alternative control and eradication strategies. The use of integrated livestock fly control contributes to safeguarding animal, public, and environmental health. This review is designed to support individuals and institutions, both civil and governmental, addressing the ongoing challenge posed by flies affecting livestock.

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