Livestock Veterinary Entomology | Teaching, Research, Extension and Service, Livestock Veterinary Entomology

Welcome

Livestock/veterinary entomology is the evaluation and understanding of ectoparasites that bite and feed on livestock and companion animals, thus effecting the thriftiness, behavior, and lifestyle of the animals.

Insects are a major cause of mortality and reduced productivity in domestic livestock. The insects cause this damage directly by feeding on or parasitising livestock, or indirectly, by transmitting livestock diseases.

Horn Fly

The horn fly is the number 1 beef cattle pest in the United States. Failing to control these continual biters can cost around $1 billion each year. Both males and females take 30-40 bloodmeals a day and remain on the backs of the animals at all times, except when the female lays her eggs in fresh manure. Maintaining a clean pasture and providing insecticidal control will help to alleviate the number of flies present on an animal and lower blood loss.