Dominancy and Epidemiology of some Muscidae spp. Flies in the Cattle and Horse ranches.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Animal Science Department, College of Agricultural Science Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
2 Doctoral School of Animal Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science, Kaposvar Campus, Kaposvar 7400, Hungary.
3 Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
10.24271/psr.2025.545239.2348
Abstract
The current study investigates the prevalence and epidemiological aspects of several species of Muscidae flies on the grounds of cattle and horse ranches in Sulaymaneyah, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The study was conducted on several ranches between early spring and late autumn, when fly activity was at its highest. Key identification techniques and systematic sticky paper trapping were used for sampling collection and identifying the Muscidae fly species, as a result Musca domestica, Musca autumnalis and Stomoxys calcitrans were collected in the research area. While stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) was more prevalent in horse ranches, Musca domestica was the most prevalent species across all sites analyzed, particularly in cattle ranches. Epidemiological observations showed a strong correlation between fly population peaks and increased rates of fly-borne diseases and stress-related conditions in livestock. The findings highlight the need for integrated vector management strategies to reduce the detrimental impacts of Muscidae infestations on the region's economy and health. This study contributes to the limited entomological data for the Kurdistan Region and enables further research on vector control and livestock health management.
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