Farms.com Home   News

Small Pests, Bigger Threats: Flies and Gnats Spread Swine Rotaviruses and Sapovirus

Annoying. Bothersome. Irritating. Inconvenience. Pest. No matter how you describe Musca domestica, aka the house fly, and its friend the gnat, one thing's for sure - they are a nuisance and pose a threat to your swine herd.

Everyone knows the small stature of flies and gnats and their ability to fly allows them to easily enter and exit barns and vehicles while bringing with them viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. For the first time ever, a study led by Allison Knox of the Walcott Veterinary Clinic in Walcott, Iowa, shows the ability of house flies and gnats to transmit rotavirus and sapovirus in swine nurseries.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Drought Is Expanding—Is Grass Tetany a Risk for Your Cattle?

Video: Drought Is Expanding—Is Grass Tetany a Risk for Your Cattle?

Grass tetany in cattle may become a serious concern this winter and early spring as drought conditions continue to expand. In this video, Paul Beck, OSU Extension beef cattle breeding specialist, explains why drought increases the risk of grass tetany and what cattle producers should be watching for in their herds.