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(4 minutes: 55 seconds) WAV (audio only)
F. Dustan Clark Extension Poultry Health Veterinarian Interim Associate Center Director of Extension and Extension Veterinarian Center of Excellence for Poultry Science - University of Arkansas
Audio/Video Script:
There have been several reports this Spring from Central and Southwest Arkansas of losses in poultry and outdoor pet birds from black fly bites.
Black flies are very small flies that have a distinctive hump behind their head. The common name, because of this hump is Buffalo gnats. These gnats are found in many areas of the United States including areas of Arkansas.
Hello, this is Dustan Clark, Extension Poultry Health Veterinarian for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science.
Buffalo gnats need moving water for their lifecycle. The female flies attach several hundred eggs to submerged objects such as plants, rocks, and leaves. The time frame for the eggs to hatch is dependent on the water temperature with the eggs hatching in 4-5 days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The larvae then attach themselves to submerged objects and filter feed on bacteria and algae in the water. The development time of the larvae also depends on several factors including available food and water temperature. These larvae mature and spin a cocoon to pupate in from which the adults emerge in the late spring. The females immediately search for a meal of blood and can travel more than ten miles to find one. The entire life cycle takes about 4- 6 weeks depending on the species of Buffalo gnat, the temperature, available food, and water temperature. It is possible for several generations to be produced each year. Fortunately, the adults only live 2-3 weeks.
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In addition to the blood loss the gnats can cause severe irritation to the animals causing them to continually seek areas to avoid being bitten. Buffalo gnats do have a preference of one host over another hence one common name for the one that specializes in turkey is turkey gnat.
Large concentrations of the gnats can cause death in animals and poultry from blood loss, irritation, shock, and suffocation.
Poultry that have been bitten by Buffalo gnats usually have small scabbed cuts on the face and combs or there may be blood staining the feathers on the head, neck, and wings. Some birds may be found dead with no apparent lesions; however, closer examination usually reveals the very small gnats in the feathers covering the ear or on the head.
The face and comb of the bird may also be swollen due to large numbers of bites.
Animals such as horses and cattle usually have swollen ears and small scabbed over cuts on the edge of the ear. Often these cuts continue to ooze blood for some time.
Buffalo gnats feed in the daytime so the best method of protection is avoidance. Livestock and poultry should be sheltered during the daytime in darker areas to lessen the chance of being bitten.
The gnats also prefer to feed when there is little if any wind. So the use of fans to circulate the air where the animals are being kept may also be helpful.
Insecticides containing pyrethrum compounds can be used for temporary reduction of Buffalo gnat numbers; however, these products only kill the gnats they contact and as such animal areas, yards, and barns need to be sprayed periodically.
Some poultry owners use Citronella oil containing compounds on their birds with some success. Other methods of prevention used by poultry owners include hanging fly strips or shiny aluminum pie plates that have been coated with a light coating of oil out in the sunlight. The Buffalo gnats rest on these yellow fly strips or coated pie plates and become stuck. It is important to check your poultry periodically, especially those that may be caged in areas where they get lots of sunlight to see if Buffalo gnats are a problem. If suspicious lesions are observed on the birds, they appear restless, egg production has dropped, you notice small amounts of blood on the birds or other animals, or there are unexplained deaths in your birds you may have a Buffalo gnat problem.
Since people can also be bitten by Buffalo gnats it is important to protect yourself. If you have to be outside when the gnats are active wear long sleeved bright colored clothing. Insect repellants that contain DEET may also be helpful.
Individuals that get bitten and have an allergic reaction should seek prompt medical attention.
Fortunately, in Arkansas, the time for Buffalo gnat activity is short and declines when temperatures get above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
For additional information on Buffalo gnats contact your local county extension office.
This has been Dustan Clark, Extension Poultry Health Veterinarian.
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