Project shows buffalo fly patterns are changing

Early results from the North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) buffalo fly surveillance project initiated in late 2011 are uncovering new information on the pest’s distribution and prevalence.

The project was initiated by the North West LHPA district vets following a significant increase in the incidence of buffalo fly in the North West during summer 2010-11, according to project leader and the district vet based in Moree, Derek Lunau.

"Buffalo fly was one of the major new livestock health problems last summer, with unprecedented reports in terms of distribution of the parasite and severity of clinical disease," he said.

"Within the project, an active surveillance program was initiated to map buffalo fly occurrence for the 2011-2012 season. There are 20 properties distributed uniformly across the authority that receive monthly surveys.

"Early results from these surveys uncovered low levels of activity along the northern NSW border in early November 2011, which is earlier than we’d normally expect buffalo fly activity in this area (Christmas). However it appears that heavy rainfall seemed to have dampened down these incidents.

"Late December and early January has seen a reoccurrence of buffalo fly in areas around Walgett and Moree. There have been no reports south of this to date."

Dr Lunau said the current levels of buffalo fly have not yet been high enough to begin treating on any of the surveillance properties.

"Most of these properties have reported very good dung beetle activity. Dung beetles are considered to be an important biological control in the fight against many pests," said Dr Lunau.

"Unfortunately most pesticides will affect dung beetle activity. This is one of the reasons for only treating stock once fly numbers are above a certain density when they are causing a significant welfare and production problem. 

"Buffalo fly causes irritation and intense rubbing, especially around the eyes, neck and brisket. They can also transfer a type of worm which causes additional skin irritation.

"This ‘fly worry’ leads to production losses, reduced weight gain and interrupts breeding. Moderate to severe infestations are also a welfare concern."

Dr Lunau hopes the project will continue to uncover new information on local buffalo fly patterns, which will be used in developing preventative management options for landholders.

To become involved in the project or for advice on managing buffalo fly on your property contact your local office of the North West LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378