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Using Visual and Digital Imagery to Quantify Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Densities
Brandon Smythe1, David Boxler2, Gary Brewer2
1The Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM.
Journal of Insect Science (Online)
|November 2, 2020
Summary
Accurate horn fly counts are crucial for cattle management. This study explores digital photography and software to improve horn fly density quantification beyond subjective visual estimates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- The horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is a significant global cattle pest.
- Current management relies on a 200 flies/animal threshold, often estimated visually.
- Visual estimates are subjective and tend to overestimate actual horn fly densities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the need for reliable horn fly density quantification.
- To evaluate digital photography as an alternative to visual estimates.
- To explore the potential of computer automation for horn fly counting.
Main Methods:
- Review of common horn fly quantification techniques.
- Description of digital photography methods for fly density assessment.
- Discussion of quantification software and automated counting prospects.
Main Results:
- Visual estimates are unreliable and subjective.
- Digital photography offers a more objective approach to quantifying horn flies.
- Software and automation present future possibilities for accurate counts.
Conclusions:
- Improved methods are needed for accurate horn fly density assessment.
- Digital photography and automation hold promise for reliable cattle pest management.
- Objective quantification will enhance the effectiveness of horn fly control strategies.
