Evaluation of a buffalo fly trap on two Queensland beef properties

Summary

A newly developed buffalo fly trap was evaluated on two Queensland beef properties between February and May 2002 as a tool for non-insecticidal control of buffalo fly. The trap is basically a short tunnel through which cattle have to regularly pass. Due to changes in light levels on entering the tunnel, flies leave the cattle and are subsequently caught in cages attached to the sides of the tunnel. The trap is simple to build and since there are no obstructions in the tunnel, training of cattle is relatively easy.

The traps were installed on two properties as the sole access to water or feed supplement. Buffalo fly numbers were obtained at regular intervals from a sub-sample (10-12 animals) of the trapped and a control group. Geometric means of fly counts were used to compare fly populations between the groups. At Sunnyholt near Injune, buffalo fly numbers remained low throughout the trial, with a maximum mean fly count of25 in the control group.

Between day 20 and 40 (when the trial was terminated due to low fly numbers), the mean buffalo fly counts in the trapped group were on average 81 % lower than in the control group. At Yackatoon near Ipswich, the mean buffalo fly population in the control group reached 400 flies per side. The population in the trapped group was on average 66% lower than the control group between days 21 and 42. Installation and use of the new buffalo fly trap were also evaluated.

Trap installation was easy in both trials. The trap design proved to be practical and effective, although some suggestions for possible changes to trap cages or baffles are provided. A direct attempt to get cattle to use the fully installed trap failed at Sunnyholt. Trap use was achieved through familiarisation and stepwise installation of the trap in both trials, with the process completed within 10 days at Yackatoon. Results from these commercial beef properties were similar to those previously obtained on DPI research stations, ie. buffalo fly population reductions of 60 to 80%. It is therefore recommended that the proposed implementation project proceed and that it include:

demonstrating the tunnel's effectiveness in commercial production systems throughout Australia's buffalo fly areas
improving the design, construction and application of the buffalo fly trap
organising field days and demonstration sites.