Unexpectedly aggressive human-biting behaviour of Hippobosca equina Linnaeus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae)

We report the first confirmed case of a human being bitten by the parasitic forest fly Hippobosca equina (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) Linnaeus, in Slovakia. The incident involved atypically aggressive behaviour of the fly toward the human host and suggests a potentially underestimated health risk for humans. A single specimen of H. equina responsible for the bite was identified and subjected to molecular analyses to assess the presence of zoonotic pathogens. DNA of Bartonella schoenbuchensis (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae) Dehio et al. was detected in the collected specimen. This case demonstrates that H. equina may present a greater health concern for humans than previously recognised, particularly during hot, windless conditions that enhance its activity. Increased awareness of human exposure risks in natural and recreational environments is warranted.