Tabanid Infestation of Cattle and Its Implications for Public Health

Year 2018, Volume: 4 Issue: 3, 43 - 46, 27.12.2018

Mehmet Acıöz

https://doi.org/10.19127/mbsjohs.456516

Abstract

Female tabanids are important for public health
and veterinary. As bloodsucking pests and vectors of disease agents they give
harm to humans. They serve as vectors of such agents as Dermatobia hominis, Loa loa, Tularemi, Bacillus anthrasis, Trypanosoma evansi, Coxiella burunetti, Dirofilaria
repens. Cattlemen living here raise their cattle on vineyards and orchards,
olive groves, almond groves or uncultivated lands. These animals are tied with
a halter and a long strap fixed to the ground. The aim of this study was to
investigate tabanids infestation in Datça, Muğla. The study was conducted from
April 2018 in Datça district. In this paper the Holstein hybrid cattle, old male
cattle, tabanids sucking its blood as well as the diseases caused by tabanids
are the subject of the study. The skin integrity on the lateral aspect of
distal metacarpus in the left hind limb of the cattle was impaired. Hundreds of
tabanids lacerated the skin, and sucked blood, causing hemorrhage in the
epidermis. This study revealed that tabanids constitute a threat to animal and
public health. We highlight the importance of effective prevention and control
measures during periods in which these flies are active. More comprehensive
epidemiological studies should be undertaken and national control programs are
required to keep the tabanids infestation under control. 

Keywords

Cattle, tabanids, public health

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