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Journal of Economic Entomology Feb 2021Filth flies remain one of the most prevalent pest groups affecting the animal production industry. Spalangia spp. and Muscidifurax spp. are beneficial parasitic wasps...
Filth flies remain one of the most prevalent pest groups affecting the animal production industry. Spalangia spp. and Muscidifurax spp. are beneficial parasitic wasps that often are utilized to manage filth fly populations such as house flies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae). These wasps search for filth fly pupae as hosts in areas potentially treated with insecticides, which may result in nontarget insecticide selection effects. However, research regarding resistance development in parasitic wasps such as S. cameroni Perkins (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is limited. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the potential of S. cameroni to develop resistance to the commonly used insecticide permethrin, as well as compare permethrin susceptibility among several S. cameroni strains. After 10 selected generations, susceptibility was significantly lower for the selected strain when compared with that of its unselected parent strain. A comparison of several parasitoid strains collected from different U.S. states indicated that permethrin susceptibility was not significantly different between a baseline strain and more recently established field strains. The potential implications of this previously unrecognized nontarget insecticide exposure effect on filth fly parasitoids are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Houseflies; Hymenoptera; Insecticide Resistance; Laboratories; Muscidae; Pest Control, Biological; Pupa; Wasps
PubMed: 33367762
DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa286 -
Forensic Science International Nov 2022The flesh flies are a group of insects well known for their forensic importance. Reliable identification of these flies relies on the use of either molecular markers or...
The flesh flies are a group of insects well known for their forensic importance. Reliable identification of these flies relies on the use of either molecular markers or the morphology of the male genital apparatus. Identification of female flesh flies is more time consuming and less reliable than their male counterparts. This is particularly problematic for forensic entomology practitioners, because female flesh flies are more abundant than males in carrion arthropod assemblages. As such, it is critical that alternative methods for flesh fly identification are established that are equally effective for both sexes. One promising technique is the use of wing measurements, which have been shown to be reliable for the identification of some groups of necrophagous Diptera from several geographical regions. We applied this method to the European Sarcophagidae for the first time, using a dataset of 881 specimens representing 29 species and 5 genera. Species identifications were based on 15 landmarks located at wing vein junctions. We also combined our results with data from previous studies of Calliphoridae and Muscidae which utilised the same methodology, enabling the testing of family level identification using wing morphometrics. Species identifications using wing measurements had varied success. While some species were successfully identified without error, others, particularly from the genus Sarcophaga, were often misclassified. Notably, in several species wing measurements successfully identified both males and females. The results presented here suggest that wing measurements are a promising complementary method to other methods for the identification of necrophagous Sarcophagidae especially in material unsorted at the family level. It can also be used to double check identification performed by a taxonomist using traditional methods.
Topics: Animals; Diptera; Female; Forensic Entomology; Forensic Medicine; Male; Muscidae; Sarcophagidae; Wings, Animal
PubMed: 36150278
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111451 -
Medical and Veterinary Entomology Sep 2021Filth flies are of medical and veterinary importance because of the transfer of disease organisms to animals and humans. The traditional control methods include the use...
Filth flies are of medical and veterinary importance because of the transfer of disease organisms to animals and humans. The traditional control methods include the use of chemical insecticides. A novel mechanical insecticide made from volcanic glass and originally developed to control mosquitoes (Imergard™ WP; ImG) was investigated for control of adult grey flesh flies, Sarcophaga bullata (Parker), secondary screwworms, Cochliomyia macellaria (F.), and house flies, Musca domestica L. In a modified WHO cone test device, the time to 50% mortality (LT ) when applied at 5 g/m (tested at 30 °C and 50% relative humidity (rH)) was 7.1, 4.3 and 3.2 h, respectively. When knockdown was included, the LT s were 5.5, 1.5 and 2.8 h, respectively. Application rates of 1.25 and greater g/m had the shortest LT s. The time to the LT increased for M. domestica as rH increased, but ImG was still active at the highest rH tested of 70%. Scanning electron micrographs showed ImG was present on all body parts, unlike that for mosquitoes where it was found mostly on the lower legs. These first studies on the use of Imergard WP against flies suggest this could be an alternative method for filth fly control.
Topics: Animals; Culicidae; Houseflies; Insecticides
PubMed: 33942346
DOI: 10.1111/mve.12521 -
Parasites & Vectors Aug 2023Stephanofilaria stilesi is a vector-borne filarioid nematode of cattle in North America that is transmitted via the hematophagous horn fly (Haematobia irritans)...
BACKGROUND
Stephanofilaria stilesi is a vector-borne filarioid nematode of cattle in North America that is transmitted via the hematophagous horn fly (Haematobia irritans) intermediate host. Despite being relatively common, little attention has been given to a thorough description of S. stilesi lesions and the potential integration of pathological and molecular diagnostic findings to confirm infection.
METHODS
To characterize the cutaneous lesions caused by S. stilesi in cattle (Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus), skin of the ventral abdominal midline was collected from 22 animals during postmortem examination. Skin samples were processed for histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), DNA extraction, PCR, and Sanger sequencing targeting molecular markers cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1), 12S, 18S rDNA, and 28S rDNA.
RESULTS
Macroscopically, lesions ranged from 5 × 4 cm to 36 × 10 cm, consisting of one large single lesion, or two to four ovoid areas at the ventral abdominal midline, surrounding the umbilicus. Each lesion presented as ulcerative dermatitis with dry, serocellular crusts, or alopecic and lichenified areas. Histologically, eosinophilic, neutrophilic, and ulcerative dermatitis with furunculosis, folliculitis, and epidermal hyperplasia was observed. Cross sections of adult nematodes were identified in ~ 60% of the cases (n = 13) within intact follicles, sebaceous ducts, crusts, and areas of furunculosis. Stephanofilaria first-stage larvae (L1) were observed in five cases within "vitelline membranes" in the superficial dermis and crusts. Ultrastructurally, the L1 cross sections were compounded of smooth multilayered cuticle and somatic cells. The "vitelline membrane" is a tri-layered membrane where L1 are suspended in a matrix. Stephanofilaria stilesi DNA was found in 5 out of the 13 cases in which adults or L1 were histologically observed (38%) and in 1 out of the 9 cases without adults or L1 present (11%). Phylogenetic analyses suggest a closer relationship of the genus Stephanofilaria with Thelazioidea, instead of the family Filariidae (Filarioidea), in which it has been historically allocated.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study improved the characterization of lesions and described ultrastructural findings of S. stilesi and highlights that molecular tools should be utilized in combination with histology for improved diagnostic resolution.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Phylogeny; Furunculosis; Filarioidea; Dermatitis; Muscidae; DNA, Ribosomal
PubMed: 37573424
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05905-y -
Journal of Forensic Sciences Nov 2022Forensic entomology (FE) involves the collection and analysis of necrophagous insects and arthropods for postmortem interval estimation based on their growth and...
Forensic entomology (FE) involves the collection and analysis of necrophagous insects and arthropods for postmortem interval estimation based on their growth and succession. In Japan, research on FE is limited, and the predominant species of necrophagous insects and their distribution have not been clarified. The present study aimed to clarify the actual situation of insects, targeting Diptera collected from human cadavers, in Chiba Prefecture. We targeted the cases for which specimens could be collected from forensic autopsies conducted at the Legal Medicine Department of Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine or from human bodies handled by the Chiba Police in 2019. We specifically chose cases from which adult insects could be bred. Fifty cases were applicable, and 47 cases were successful in rearing adult flies. Sixteen species of Diptera were identified: six species of Calliphoridae, four species of Sarcophagidae, and a few species of Fanniidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, Piophilidae, and Stratiomyidae. The most frequently observed species were Lucilia sericata (20 cases) and Chrysomya pinguis (18 cases). For the first time, globally, we recorded the presence of Fannia prisca in a human cadaver. In conclusion, this is the first report to reveal the presence of carrion flies in human death cases in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Research in FE is important in the context of the Japanese natural and social environment since this can aid forensic investigations conducted by authorities.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Humans; Diptera; Japan; Postmortem Changes; Cadaver; Muscidae; Insecta
PubMed: 36059106
DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15128 -
Acta Tropica Sep 2022Fannia pusio (Wiedemann) is originally from tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it has repeatedly been collected from both animal carrion and human...
Fannia pusio (Wiedemann) is originally from tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it has repeatedly been collected from both animal carrion and human cadavers. This species is expanding its distributional range, and it has been introduced to Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania, and Europe. Newly introduced species may be confused with native species of local arthropod necrophagous assemblages, which from a forensic entomology perspective may impact the accuracy of post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations based on insect evidence. In this work we aim to raise awareness among forensic entomologists of the potential benefits and risks associated with the expanding range of F. pusio. Morphology of all larval instars is documented with a combination of light, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. Characters allowing identification from other forensically important Fanniidae are listed. Thermal requirements for the development of immature stages of F. pusio were examined under nine ambient temperatures. Models describing changes in larval body length over time were produced for eight different temperatures. The thermal summation constant (k) and developmental zero (T) were calculated for six developmental events: hatching, first ecdysis, second ecdysis, wandering, pupariation, and eclosion.
Topics: Animals; Diptera; Entomology; Forensic Sciences; Humans; Larva; Muscidae; Temperature
PubMed: 35661737
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106546 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... Jan 2018The association between bovine papillomavirus (BPV) and equine sarcoids is well established, but it is unclear how the virus spreads. Although evidence in support of...
The association between bovine papillomavirus (BPV) and equine sarcoids is well established, but it is unclear how the virus spreads. Although evidence in support of viral spread through direct animal contact exists, this does not explain sarcoid development in isolated equids. BPV DNA has been detected in flies, which could indicate that these insects serve as a vector. This study aimed to investigate whether BPV-negative stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) become positive for BPV DNA after exposure to equine sarcoid or bovine papilloma tissue under experimental conditions and, if so, for how long. A total of 420 stable flies were caught alive and exposed to BPV positive equine sarcoid or bovine papilloma tissue. During the following week, dead flies were collected daily and BPV loads were determined by quantitative PCR. There was a significant rise in BPV load after tissue exposure both in sarcoid and papilloma exposed flies, but the viral load was higher and remained high for a longer time after exposure to papilloma tissue compared to sarcoid tissue. Within days, viral loads decreased again and became indifferent from loads before exposure. The results of these experiments indicate that BPV transmission by S. calcitrans seems possible and is more likely to occur after contact with bovine papillomas than with equine sarcoids. Transmission seems only possible shortly after tissue exposure. Further research could include experimental induction of sarcoids with BPV positive stable flies, or a repeat of the experiment with micro-dissection prior to PCR.
Topics: Animals; Bovine papillomavirus 1; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Horse Diseases; Horses; Insect Vectors; Muscidae; Papilloma; Sarcoidosis; Viral Load
PubMed: 29429489
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.11.009 -
Medical and Veterinary Entomology Sep 2021Outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in domestic pig farms in Lithuania typically begin in June and are detected through October, suggesting that insects might be...
Outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in domestic pig farms in Lithuania typically begin in June and are detected through October, suggesting that insects might be involved in the transmission of the virus. Entomological collecting was performed to obtain two data sets: from farms with ASF outbreaks, and from farms without ASF outbreaks but in an ASF-infected area. Target insects from the families Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Tabanidae were analysed for the presence of ASF Virus (ASFV) DNA. Musca domestica L., Calliphoridae flies and Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) collected by entomological net during ASF outbreaks were confirmed to be ASFV positive. Viral DNA detected in insects collected by Nzi traps from farms with no ASFV outbreaks indicate that Culex, Lucilia, M. domestica and S. calcitrans are likely to play a role in spreading the ASFV mechanically. This finding could suggest contamination from outside of the farms: from infected wild boar or their carcasses. The role of Stomoxys flies as mechanical vectors could be accidental, because we did not find a significant correlation between the activity of S. calcitrans and the number of ASF outbreaks in pig farms, whereas temperatures positively correlated to the number of ASF outbreaks during 2018-2019.
Topics: African Swine Fever; African Swine Fever Virus; Animals; Disease Outbreaks; Farms; Lithuania; Mosquito Vectors; Muscidae; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 33314280
DOI: 10.1111/mve.12499 -
Forensic Science International Jul 2023Fauna of flies on pig carcasses and bones and their emergence succession were investigated in Hokkaido, Japan. A total of 55,937 flies consisting 23 identified species...
Fauna of flies on pig carcasses and bones and their emergence succession were investigated in Hokkaido, Japan. A total of 55,937 flies consisting 23 identified species in 16 families was collected from emergence traps after removal of carcasses and emergence containers containing bones. In emergence traps, Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus) emerged earliest, followed by Hydrotaea ignava (Harris). Piophilid flies emerged 22-25 days later than L. caesar, and their emergence periods were prolonged. In emergent flies from bones, Piophilidae was the dominant family, comprising five species; Stearibia nigriceps (Meigen) was the most abundant, followed by Liopiophila varipes (Meigen) and Protopiophila latipes (Meigen). Stearibia nigriceps and L. varipes remarkably dominated in summer bones and overwintering spring bones, respectively. Piophilids emerged from all 11 types of bones; the thoracic spine significantly yielded the most numerous individuals in S. nigriceps. The developmental duration of larvae of S. nigriceps in bones was estimated to be 12-34 days after placement of carcasses in summer. Observations of overwintering bones showed that L. varipes and Centrophlebomyia grunini (Ozerov) overwintered in larvae inside of bones. The importance of examining piophilid larvae in bones and their potential forensic usefulness are discussed.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Diptera; Body Remains; Postmortem Changes; Feeding Behavior; Larva; Cadaver; Muscidae
PubMed: 37098290
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111705 -
Medical and Veterinary Entomology Dec 2021Filth flies associated with animal production transmit pathogens to humans and animals, propagate antimicrobial resistance in microbial communities and provoke nuisance...
Filth flies associated with animal production transmit pathogens to humans and animals, propagate antimicrobial resistance in microbial communities and provoke nuisance litigation. Although dispersal of flies from facilities is often responsible for these negative effects, filth fly research on swine facilities has been limited to within the barns. Filth fly adaptations in space and time, as well as influences of abiotic and biotic factors impact distribution and abundance of animal-associated filth flies on swine production facilities. In this study, fly surveillance was conducted around four swine facilities in Bladen County, North Carolina, U.S.A. from January 2019 to October 2019. Traps were replaced weekly and animal-associated filth flies were identified. Flies were grouped for comparison based on biology and differences in pest management strategies. There were distinct differences in abundance and spatial distribution of different filth fly groups on the swine facilities, which are likely linked to environmental factors like spatial relation to crop production and species phenology. The impact of the observed temporal and spatial distribution and abundance is discussed in the context of filth fly management.
Topics: Animals; Muscidae; North Carolina; Swine
PubMed: 34398989
DOI: 10.1111/mve.12542