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The potential for control of the blowfly Lucilia sericata using odour-baited targets
Abstract:
A deterministic simulation model is used to explore the potential for control of the sheep blowfly, Lucilia sericata, using odour-baited targets. The simulations show that the ambient temperatures of 15 degrees C or 20 degrees C, 13% and 24% of the females present in a population would need to be killed per day, respectively, to prevent the population growing from its initial spring density during the summer blowfly season. In contrast, if both sexes could be sterilized, so that sterilized males were also able to disrupt the fertility of unsterilized females, only 6.5-13% of both sexes would need to be attracted and sterilized at 15 degrees C or 20 degrees C respectively. To examine whether these numbers of individuals could be attracted by targets baited with liver and sodium sulphide, mark-release-recapture studies in sheep pastures were used to quantify sticky target efficiencies. The percentage of the L.sericata population caught on any one day was shown to be positively related to average ambient temperature. At 15 degrees C each sticky target caught approximately 13% and at 20 degrees C, 41% of the females within a 20 m radius. The results indicate that, at ambient temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees C, if distributed at a density of approximately 5/ha, targets baited with liver and sodium sulphide could effectively suppress a population of L.sericata. Lower densities of targets would be required if they were able to sterilize both sexes rather than kill or if more attractive synthetic semiochemical baits could be developed.
Insights
Controlling the sheep blowfly (Lucilia sericata) with odour-baited targets is feasible. Simulations show that sterilizing both sexes or killing females at specific rates can prevent population growth, especially at 15-20°C.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Pest Management
- Ecological Modeling
Background:
- The sheep blowfly (Lucilia sericata) is a significant economic and welfare pest in sheep farming.
- Current control methods often rely on chemical treatments with varying efficacy and environmental impact.
- Understanding population dynamics and developing targeted control strategies is crucial for sustainable sheep production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of odour-baited targets for controlling Lucilia sericata populations.
- To determine the required kill or sterilization rates of blowflies at different temperatures for population suppression.
- To assess the efficiency of sticky targets baited with liver and sodium sulphide in sheep pastures.
Main Methods:
- A deterministic simulation model was employed to explore population control scenarios.
- Mark-release-recapture studies were conducted in sheep pastures to quantify target efficiency.
- Sticky targets baited with liver and sodium sulphide were used to assess attraction and capture rates.
Main Results:
- Simulations indicated that killing 13-24% of female blowflies daily at 15-20°C is needed to prevent population growth.
- Sterilizing both sexes, with males disrupting fertility, requires only 6.5-13% removal at these temperatures.
- Sticky targets at 15°C caught ~13% and at 20°C caught ~41% of females within a 20m radius daily.
Conclusions:
- Odour-baited targets, particularly those sterilizing both sexes, show significant potential for Lucilia sericata population suppression.
- Target density of approximately 5/ha is effective between 15-20°C, with potential for reduced density using more potent baits.
- Optimizing bait attractiveness and control mechanisms (killing vs. sterilization) can enhance the efficacy of target-based pest management.