Buffalo fly pester North West livestock

Buffalo fly have been causing issues for cattle producers around Moree and Yetman according to the district vets with the North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

Buffalo fly is a common pest in coastal areas of Queensland and North-Eastern NSW, but it has only become a concern for northern NSW producers in recent times.

Ted Irwin, North West LHPA district vet based in Warialda, says he has recently received several reports of buffalo fly affecting cattle in the northern part of the authority.

"Buffalo flies have been active in the area for the past 3 summers, but this season seems to be particularly bad," he said.

"I’ve been getting enquiries from cattle producers who haven’t had the fly before or have little experience in how to manage it.

"I encourage producers to report buffalo fly activity to the LHPA so we can monitor their location and spread which will help to determine how best to control them."

While not life threatening, buffalo fly feed off cattle causing irritation which can result in reduced production if cattle are heavily infested. They live permanently on the host, only leaving to lay eggs in fresh dung.

"There are a number of options for controlling buffalo fly, but the choice depends on the individual situation," said Dr Irwin.

"For example, when the flies are below are certain density chemical control is often not warranted.

"Also the use of chemicals can result in residues in meat and some chemicals are toxic to dung beetles, which form an important component of the natural defence against many pests. In this case, they break down dung which are the breeding site for buffalo flies."

To report buffalo fly activity on your property contact your local office of the LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378