Flies At The Eyes

mikefoxo

That time of year and the flies are really starting to have a go at the few bullocks my Dad bought. They always seem to congregate near their eyes. Is there some powder etc. you can give them to stop the flies? Would they do much damage regards infection or cattle not eating as much as they normally would?

tomieen jones

Spreading Pink eye is the biggest threat they pose would be my fear! Heard of garlic licks that are supposed to work good but never tried

Count Mondego

If the eyes are running a lot, it could be an early indication of the eye infection. Small bit is fine but if the side of his/her face is wet that's it. Can get antibiotic powder to fire into them.

smokey-fitz

Yea ive had a good few cases of pink eye this year already. Keep an eye on them. If the eye gets watery Watch out for a white cloudiness and they also tend to keep the eye closed too. If you get it treatment is easy enough and treat early. Just call into the vet and they will give you tubes of stuff to treat it.

The man in red and black

Anyone using fly repelling ear tags? They are very popular out here, make a huge difference. The stuff that's in them lasts about 3-6 months.

Dawggone

The man in red and black wrote: »

Anyone using fly repelling ear tags? They are very popular out here, make a huge difference. The stuff that's in them lasts about 3-6 months.

Where is out here?
What brand of tag?

The man in red and black

Dawggone wrote: »

Where is out here?
What brand of tag?

Canada! I'll let you know the brand tomorrow, can't think of it off hand will have to check.

Edit: Found them online, Saber is the brand we use at work. Here is an article about using them on horses halters,

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/06-071.htm

there is a very good chart in the document listing all the common ones in Ontario and what the ingredient is. I don't know if they are licensed or available in Ireland unfortunately you will have to check that.

Dawggone

The man in red and black wrote: »

Canada! I'll let you know the brand tomorrow, can't think of it off hand will have to check.

Edit: Found them online, Saber is the brand we use at work. Here is an article about using them on horses halters,

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/06-071.htm

there is a very good chart in the document listing all the common ones in Ontario and what the ingredient is. I don't know if they are licensed or available in Ireland unfortunately you will have to check that.

Do they work?
I use Flectron, which is Cypermethrin, and useless!

The man in red and black

Dawggone wrote: »

Do they work?
I use Flectron, which is Cypermethrin, and useless!

Saber seem to work very well out here. Some people even put them on their hats to keep mosquitoes and black flies away. Seem to do a right job! Not sure if you want that stuff on your skin though so not sure about putting them on your hat!

Dawggone

The man in red and black wrote: »

Saber seem to work very well out here. Some people even put them on their hats to keep mosquitoes and black flies away. Seem to do a right job! Not sure if you want that stuff on your skin though so not sure about putting them on your hat!

I'm in France. There is a bacteria that has come from Africa, that is transmitted by house flies, and causes blindness.
Will those tags keep flies from the eyes?
Is it allowed on lactating dairy cows?
Approx what price per head?

Sorry for all the questions but we are now into hot weather and major pressure from the onslaught of flies on the herd.

Thanks!

Reggie.

Some farmers around here use the garlic lick buckets. Supposed to help

The man in red and black

Dawggone wrote: »

I'm in France. There is a bacteria that has come from Africa, that is transmitted by house flies, and causes blindness.
Will those tags keep flies from the eyes?
Is it allowed on lactating dairy cows?
Approx what price per head?

Sorry for all the questions but we are now into hot weather and major pressure from the onslaught of flies on the herd.

Thanks!

Non-lactating dairy cattle only unfortunately!

http://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/products/130_163384/productdetails_130_163802.aspx

As for price not sure, will have to get back to you on that but prices vary wildly from Canada to Europe so you are better off checking the local products in France anyway.

With regard to house flies this is a quote from the original OMAFRA link:


The house fly and stable fly are considered filth flies. They breed in decaying organic material, including wet decaying hay, urine-soaked bedding and manure. Old decaying hay, from hay fed on the ground or from round bales, is an ideal breeding ground. House flies have sponge-like mouth parts and feed on secretions from the eyes, nostrils and anus (1). Stable flies have piercing, sucking mouth parts and feed on the lower legs of animals. The stable fly feeds intermittently and may bite several horses before taking a blood meal (2). One study with horses did demonstrate the efficacy of insecticide-impregnated ear tags against stable flies (3). However, they are best controlled by cleanliness in the barn, using knock-down insecticides in the barn and wipe-on or spray insecticides on the horse.