Extracted From: A Pocket Guide to Poultry Health and Disease

By Paul McMullin © 2004 Click Here to Order Your Copy

Introduction

Grey-black hump-backed flies, 5 mm long and found in North and South America that are external parasites of birds and mammals. The flies transmit leucocytozoonosis and also a filarial parasite in ducks. The condition tends to occur near to rapidly flowing streams, although these insects can travel up to 15 miles. Eggs and larvae survive through the winter to cause new infestations in the following year.

Signs

• Anaemia in young birds.
• Swarms of flies.

Post-mortem lesions

• Anaemia.

Diagnosis

Anaemia, season, local history.

Treatment

Treatment is difficult.

Prevention

Similar measures as for mosquito control. Biological control using a strain of Bacillus thuringensis has had some success and is preferable to insecticides. Weekly treatments are required.