Using Fly Tags for Horn Fly Control in Alabama
Applied Research
Kelly Palmer
REGIONAL EXTENSION AGENT - ANIMAL SCIENCE/FORAGES
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
Brewton
Abstract
Need: Horn flies are the most economically important external parasite of cattle, costing the cattle industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year. There are many products labeled for control of horn flies in Alabama, one of the commonly used delivery methods is via insecticide impregnated ear tags. Through repeated use, many of these products have become virtually useless due to horn fly resistance. This research was conducted to give up-to-date protocols for the use of horn fly tags in Alabama cattle production systems.
Methods: There are currently tags labeled for horn fly control from three insecticide groups: organophosphates, pyrethroids, and avermectins. A total of six brands of fly tags were tested: two organophosphate tags (Patriot® and Corathon®), three pyrethroid tags (Python Magnum®, Saber Extra®, and CyLence Ultra®), and one avermectin tag (XP 820®). The six fly tag brands constituted the treatments, the experiment was replicated twice, giving 12 treatment herds and two control herds. The tags were placed in 12 herds averaging 30 head across Southwest Alabama. Tags were applied according to label directions once horn fly numbers reached the economic threshold (200 flies/animal). Tags were assigned based on the prior years horn fly control tactic (not randomly assigned). Accounting for previous years control method allowed for a true test of the fly tag while also accounting for possible resistance in the local horn fly population. Fly counts were taken by choosing five treatment cows at random and recording the total flies on each cow. Counts were taken on a weekly basis until either: tag failure was noted by reaching economic threshold, or fly season ended.
Results: The control groups consistently showed a higher fly count than all the treatment groups throughout the study. All the fly tag treatments kept horn fly numbers below economic threshold throughout the season.
Implications: Commercially available fly tags can be effective at managing horn flies in Alabama if used correctly. Producers need to rotate between insecticide classes each season. Make sure to wait until horn flies reach economic threshold before applying tags and cut out tags at the end of each season.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Kelly Palmer
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Palmer, K. REGIONAL EXTENSION AGENT - ANIMAL SCIENCE/FORAGES, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36426