By Umar Nsubuga
Cattle flies are more than just a nuisance to cattle farmers. These persistent pests not only cause distress to livestock but also lead to significant losses in milk production, weight gain, and overall health.
In Uganda, where livestock farming is vital to rural livelihoods, cattle farmers are all too familiar with the challenges posed by flies.
David Kamukama, a veterinary doctor and an experienced cattle farmer, and Peter Mubiru, a veterinary doctor, share their insights and expertise on managing and controlling cattle flies effectively.
Understanding the impact of cattle flies
According to Dr Kamukama, cattle flies can severely impact livestock health.
“When flies swarm the cattle, they cause constant irritation, which leads the animals to spend more energy trying to avoid flies than on eating or resting,” he explains.
“This impacts milk production in dairy cows and leads to reduced weight gain in beef cattle,” he says.
Some species of flies carry diseases such as pinkeye, anthrax, and anaplasmosis, which further affect cattle health and farmer profits.
Mubiru adds that cattle fly control is critical not only for the comfort of the animals but also for the economic sustainability of farms.
“If left unchecked, these flies can cause secondary bacterial infections in wounds, leading to further medical expenses for farmers,” he notes.
By addressing cattle fly issues early and effectively, farmers can protect their livestock and maximize productivity.
Preventive measures
The foundation of any good pest control strategy is prevention. Both experts agree that maintaining hygiene around cattle pens and grazing areas is one of the most effective ways to deter flies.
Dr Kamukama advises farmers to regularly clean up manure, spilled feed, and other waste materials, which serve as breeding grounds for flies.
“Flies are attracted to decomposing organic matter, so ensuring a clean environment is crucial,” he says.
Dr Kamukama also encourages the use of manure management systems, such as composting, to reduce the presence of fly larvae around the farm.
Mubiru emphasises the importance of maintaining dry, well-ventilated animal housing.
“Damp, poorly ventilated areas encourage fly populations. Regular cleaning and providing proper drainage around the pens go a long way in keeping the flies under control,” he explains.
Mubiru further recommends spreading hydrated lime around cattle sheds, which reduces fly attraction by lowering moisture levels.
The safe use of insecticides
While hygiene can greatly reduce fly populations, Dr Kamukama and Mubiru agree that sometimes additional measures are necessary, particularly during peak fly seasons.
In such cases, the careful use of insecticides can help manage flies effectively.
Kamukama suggests applying insecticides that are specifically formulated for cattle, such as pour-ons or sprays, directly to the animals.
These insecticides work by either repelling flies or killing them on contact.
However, Mubiru advises caution when using chemical treatments.
“It’s essential to follow the correct dosage and application instructions to avoid harming the animals or contaminating milk products,” he says.
He also points out that using insecticides in rotation is key to preventing flies from developing resistance.
“If farmers stick to one type of insecticide, flies can become resistant, making the treatment ineffective over time. Rotating between different classes of insecticides can help keep flies in check,” he explains.
Natural remedies
For farmers looking to reduce chemical use, natural remedies offer an effective alternative.
Dr Kamukama mentions neem oil as a popular choice among farmers for its repellent properties.
“Neem oil, when diluted and sprayed on cattle, can help keep flies away naturally,” he says.
Other remedies include garlic sprays and citronella-based repellents, both of which have shown promise in repelling flies without harming livestock.
Mubiru also suggests using fly traps and sticky ribbons, which capture flies without introducing chemicals into the environment.
“Fly traps placed around cattle pens can significantly reduce the fly population,” he says.
“These traps are easy to set up and are especially useful for organic farmers who avoid synthetic treatments.”
Mubiru further recommends planting fly-repellent plants, like lemongrass and marigolds, around the grazing areas, which can deter flies naturally.
Keys to long-term success
Both Dr Kamukama and Peter Mubiru stress the importance of consistency and monitoring in managing cattle flies.
“Controlling cattle flies isn’t a one-time effort. It requires continuous monitoring and adjusting of strategies as needed,” Kamukama advises.
He encourages farmers to regularly inspect their cattle for signs of fly-borne illnesses and to adjust their fly control strategies based on seasonal fly patterns.
Mubiru adds that keeping records of treatment schedules and fly populations can help farmers gauge the effectiveness of different approaches.
“Effective fly management is all about balance. By using a mix of preventive, chemical, natural, and biological methods, farmers can achieve long-term control and ensure healthier, more productive cattle,” he concludes.
