Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Detection of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens from Individual Filth Flies
Published on: February 13, 2015
Short communication: Screening stable flies and house flies as potential vectors of digital dermatitis in dairy
R J Thibodeaux1, J A Brady2, C C K Maryak2
1Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX 76402.
Abstract:
Digital dermatitis is a bacterial infection that causes lesions above the heel bulbs on cattle hooves, and several bacterial species from the genus Treponema are suspected to be causative agents of this polymicrobial condition. Transmission of the bacteria to healthy cows is understudied, particularly with regard to potential insect vectors. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine if flies captured from a dairy farm known to have digital dermatitis are contaminated with Treponema bacteria. The DNA-based assays did not detect any Treponema phagedenis from stable flies and house flies collected at a dairy experiencing an outbreak of digital dermatitis. Other potential means of bacterial transmission are discussed.
