S1076: Arthropod Management in Animal Agriculture Systems and Impacts on Animal Health and Food Security

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Active

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[02/08/2024] [03/11/2025] [03/05/2025]

Date of Annual Report: 02/08/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/10/2024 - 01/12/2024
Period the Report Covers: 01/13/2023 - 01/12/2024

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Participants Attachment:

S1076 2024 minutes.pdf

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 03/11/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/13/2025 - 01/15/2025
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Biting flies of cattle (horn flies, stable flies) cause considerable economic loss to animal producers ($1B loss to US cattle producers due to stable flies alone!). Control of these flies with insecticides is increasingly challenging due to insecticide resistance, environmental impacts of insecticides, increases in organic animal production, and changing management practices. A new commercial fly repellent formulation with botanical oils was tested on cattle in California and showed good control of each fly species for 6-24 hours (stable flies) or 24-48 hours (horn flies). These botanical oil repellent products appear suitable for use in commercial dairy production to reduce biting by these important pest flies. Currently, there are challenges with screwworm control via sterile insect technique, with flies found in S. Mexico. The response to that challenge will require increasing the capacity to raise and irradiate flies to control for release in previously eradicated zones. Simulations have been done to demonstrate that eBeam is a potentially viable alternative source of ionizing radiation, providing potential flexibility for the USDA when making decisions about how to adjust to the new challenge in screwworm control. Innovative research projects are underway by S1076 members to improve livestock welfare and are investigating a variety of pest management tactics. UC-Riverside is developing sensor technologies to monitor cattle fly-repelling (defensive) behaviors and correlating behaviors with fly populations to diagnose the need for targeted treatments. Penn State surveyed horse owners for concerns about tick infestations and are evaluating wearable tick protection barriers, such as boots and masks, to reduce tick pressure on horses. Kansas State is assessing fly impacts on horses to refine equine pest control. USDA-ARS researchers in Florida are finding that house flies feeding on low quality diets have increased mortality when infected by the Beauveria bassiana fungus. They are also improving production of the parasitoid Tachinaephagus zealandicus and may be evaluated for screwworm control. University of Nebraska - Lincoln researchers are evaluating black soldier fly larvae for biological control of stable flies, and, in response to producer interest in alternative control products, are investigating garlic-based sprays as a natural alternative for fly control on pasture cattle. In over two dozen presentations throughout the state, UGA Extension alerted cattle producers to impacts of flies and ticks on cattle herds, with recommendations for pest suppression. One publication in the Georgia Cattleman magazine covered the benefit of dung beetles and another gave reasons both humans and animals should be protected against tick bites. We organized our first “Alpha-Gal Symposium” at the University of Georgia, hosting speakers and participants from around the world (with over 114 attendees). UGA’s Extension Veterinary Entomologist chaired a session in which it was pointed out that until prophylactic measures and therapeutics are available for preventing and treating red-meat allergy, the only effective preventative is avoidance of tick bites. In collaboration with UGA’s Department of Animal and Dairy Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine, veterinary entomologists from UGA Department of Entomology are attempting to identify fly-resistance traits in cattle and develop these traits for commercial herds. The entomology team in this collaboration (including two Extension agents and two Entomology graduate students, along with the Extension Entomologist PI) is characterizing fly susceptibility of herd animals, classifying them according to the number of flies each animal supports. Based on these counts, each animal is ranked for its suitability as a fly host, ranging from those that are highly tolerant (good blood sources) to those that support very few flies (fly resistant or repellent). Animal scientists then attempt to characterize these animals physiologically to identify genetic characteristics that determine their attractiveness to horn flies. University of Georgia researchers have found distinct differences in animals’ ability to support horn fly populations, indicating that it may well be possible to select lineages that are resistant to bloodsucking horn flies. Success in this endeavor could yield savings to cattlemen and result in reduced beef prices.

Publications

Impact Statements

Wildlife serve as important reservoirs maintaining tick populations threatening livestock production. Researchers in Tennessee identified key wildlife species serving as hosts for the invasive Asian longhorned tick, improving their survival and furthering their dispersal. Livestock serve as hosts for a number of tick species, research at Pennsylvania State University highlighted that the order in which animals are exposed to different species impacts the response to tick feeding. With alarming rates of acaricide resistance reported in field ticks collected from Texas, laboratory studies showed that the genetic basis of resistance in ticks is more intricate than previously thought. Texas A&M University and the USDA have published on the sex chromosome and putative sex determination genes in the cattle tick, which could enhance control of ticks in the future. Together, this better understanding of tick resistance, feeding biology and the role of wildlife in maintaining tick populations will shape targeted surveillance approaches. These will in turn inform producers which products and intervention methods are best suited to their individual region.
Over the past few years, studies of Culicoides species in southeastern California desert have revealed species distribution patterns suggesting species which are associated with native habitat and those associated with anthropogenic change. Response of these species to various trapping systems (using CO2 and/or UV light) provides support for additional studies of these species. These studies have supported our understanding of the potential role of these species in the transmission of pathogens such as bluetongue (BT), epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). This is particularly important given the recent incursion of VSV into California in 2023-2024 and the effects of this virus on both domestic animals and captive wildlife in several zoo facilities.
Insecticides remain one of the most important tools for pest control in livestock production, yet resistance to the limited number of registered chemical classes for this usage pattern compromises pest control plans. Thus, it is imperative that any control plan include insecticide resistance monitoring. Members of the S1076 group have worked on a number of projects to facilitate better understanding of resistance mechanisms in livestock-relevant arthropods, and utilize novel tools to conduct surveillance on insecticide resistance.
A collaboration between University of Florida and USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) produced a new molecular tool for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms that are often used as a molecular marker for target site resistance mechanisms in arthropods.
Current pest management practices rely on producers evaluating their animals in terms of the number of each pest species present, as well as any occurrence of disease events. Surveillance for ectoparasites has been primarily accomplished by on-host visual inspection, as well as sampling pests off hosts with specifically designed collection methods. Traditionally, when these numbers exceed a threshold, it is recommended that producers treat their animals with pesticide. Unfortunately, these methods are not feasible for many cattle operations, leading to producers making uninformed decisions, the unnecessary use of chemicals, non-target effects, and additional economic losses (costs and expenditures).
To help producers make data-driven decisions, researchers in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are developing producer-friendly methods that incorporate computer vision and binomial sequential sampling. Preliminary results indicate that automated systems can detect flies and ticks on animals as well as animal behaviors in response to parasites. To validate the reliability of detection networks, S1076 participants across the country provided additional images and videos for the project. We will use these images to improve and evaluate the models. Concurrently, the newly developed binomial sequential sampling method incorporates current cattle genetics, production practices, and nutritional improvements. Preliminary results for this decision-making strategy allow producers to incorporate pest surveillance with different thresholds, taking into consideration that cattle with different backgrounds have different pest tolerance levels.
After both methods are developed, we will integrate the detection and decision-making systems into a user-friendly platform that helps producers make data-driven decisions regarding pest management on their animals. Bridging these projects together, we will use real-time data from S1076 participants and stakeholders to enhance pest management strategies against common livestock pests and ultimately improve animal welfare and productivity. Use of the integrated system will not only reduce the use of insecticides on livestock but also document changes in producers' knowledge and behavior as they begin to learn that treatments should be tailored to their cattle, environment, and pest populations. Use and adoption of the developed platform will provide opportunities for additional outreach and education, as links to factsheets and referred sources will be included. We suspect that the to-be developed system will be transformative for the livestock industry.
Horn flies, obligatory bloodsucking flies found only on cattle, cost U.S. cattle producers over a billion dollars annually. They are the number one pest on cattle herds in the Americas. Not only does this affect cattlemen and their production costs, but these losses are passed along to consumers as higher beef prices.
Our multistate research team has continued to maintain and expand our extension-focused website (www.veterinary entomology.org). This website has received increased visitation each year, with high traffic particularly to some of our pest management guidelines documents and to our pesticide database website. This website has increased the reach of our multistate project and provided an opportunity for project participants to reach extension clientele.
The VetPestX pesticide database is under revision to develop a new website listing EPA-registered pesticides that will be more accurate, accessible, and user friendly compared to our current VetPestX website. The new website will utilize AI algorithms to search EPA documents to identify approved products and product uses. We anticipate that this new version of the website will be live in late 2025. The current website is already regularly used by animal producers, veterinarians, and extension personnel, and we anticipate the new version will see increased use.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension programming has generated strong interest among livestock producers in alternative fly control products, including garlic, fatty acids, and essential oils. Research projects have been initiated to validate the effectiveness of these alternative solutions. Through multiple delivery platforms, such as webinars, podcasts, and articles, UNL Extension has successfully reached livestock producers across the U.S. Notably, the Bruce Walk-through Fly Trap has gained traction as an effective, non-chemical control method.

Date of Annual Report: 03/05/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/12/2026 - 01/14/2026
Period the Report Covers: 01/14/2025 - 01/11/2026

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Outcomes Annual Meeting of Multistate Project S-1076: Arthropod Management in Animal Agriculture Systems and Impacts on Animal Health and Food Safety Orlando, FL January 12-13, 2026 Researchers at Kansas State University (KSU), University of Kentucky (UK), and the University of Tennessee (UT) are educating veterinarians and livestock producers on recent investigations into the biology and distribution of Theileria orientalis, an emerging tick-borne hemoparasite of cattle in the United States. KSU researchers detected positive herds in Kansas and Iowa despite the absence of the primary vector, the Asian longhorned tick (ALT). Positive detection of T. orientalis via PCR in stable flies collected from two Kansas cattle operations with positive herds suggests the potential of stable flies as a mechanical vector, warranting further investigation. UT researchers additionally estimated the prevalence of T. orientalis haplotypes in managed and wild animal populations across multiple Tennessee counties through multiple sampling efforts. The pathogen was detected in both animal systems, with no correlation observed among the prevalence of detected haplotypes. In addition to peer-reviewed and extension publications, online resources are being developed to provide Kentucky and Tennessee producers with timely updates on tick and pathogen distribution. Additionally, UT researchers now host the exotic and invasive pest stakeholder call, a group originally convened by USDA APHIS for response to the Asian longhorned tick, with UT leading updates on current geographic distribution of Asian longhorned tick and Thieleria orientalis (vectored by this tick) positive case reports in cattle. S1076 members are improving knowledge on filth fly and biting midge genomics and biology through multiple approaches. Multistate members advanced genomic resources for Culicoides biting midges by assembling the genome of the primary pathogen vector species in North America into chromosomal format and improving gene annotation. This framework is enabling identification of genes involved in sex determination, stage-specific expression, vector competence, and insecticide resistance. This work provides the foundation for functional genetic studies and supports development of more precise and targeted control strategies for biting midges. Through next generation sequencing analysis, researchers at Texas A&M University (TAMU) have additionally found that stable flies from various Texas animal facilities carry several significant pathogenic taxa.   S1076 members are attempting to improve pest management strategies by understanding pest impacts in animal production systems and investigating alternative approaches that are efficient and sustainable. KSU researchers evaluated the animal production impacts of stable flies in cattle feedlots to determine potential intervention strategies. Higher pressure from stable flies in outer pen areas resulted in cattle bunching together more frequently than cattle from inner pens, leading to lower feeding efficiency. Future work will investigate utilization of animal rotation in lots, as well as push-pull strategies in pen design, to improve overall productivity and pest management. Researchers at TAMU have developed transgenic fluorescent strains of stable flies for easier tracking and sex differentiation in laboratory assays. Strains include both ubiquitous green fluorescent protein (FP) expression and male-specific red FP expression that are visible at all life stages. Future research may be able to implement stable fly strains in field settings for tracking pest distribution. Additional research in confined livestock production from the University of California-Riverside (UCR) demonstrated the potential eradication of spinose ear tick from a California free-stall dairy. First control efforts using Catron 4 spray worked well but were determined to be logistically impractical. Treated ear tags were implemented next, with significantly reduced tick burdens on cattle as well as lowered cattle stress and hands-on effort for producers. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and UK are developing novel tools for bed bug control and detection as well as working with industry to educate producers and other personnel on bed bug identification and response. PSU researchers are developing novel bed bug catchment devices and evaluating essential oils for control. UK researchers are evaluating the use of histamine (found in allergen responses to other pests such as cockroaches) to detect bed bugs in poultry facilities as well as the effect of histamine on poultry welfare and production efficiency metrics. A project using house flies as surveyors of the environment leveraged the multi-state participants of this group across the country. Flies were collected by participants in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas and provided them to USDA-ARS for analysis. The goal of the project is to use flies to track both priority bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes.   Additionally, a partnership between USDA-ARS and Kansas State University developed a new bioinformatic tool/pipeline for sorting sequence data to identify species relevant to human and animal health. This pipeline showed that that house fly microbial communities comprise a snapshot of the bacteria found both in animals and manure from their surrounding environment. Additionally, this project identified antimicrobial resistance genes from fly associate bacteria that may help us in the early detection of emergent mutations, optimally prior to clinical detection of antimicrobial failure. These findings show that house flies not only are a problem in carrying and disseminating pathogens, but also that that they can help us monitor threats to both livestock and human health at cattle operations, thereby facilitating animal health, animal production and food safety. Thermal ecology experiments demonstrated that while house flies can oviposit across a broad temperature range (12.5–42.5°C), reproductive preference narrows to 26–30°C when given a choice. This distinction between environmental tolerance and behavioral preference improves predictive modeling of fly population peaks and supports more precise timing of control interventions in livestock facilities. Furthermore, researchers at the University of Florida (UFL) investigated Ethiprole as a candidate insecticide for house fly control. Electrophysiological responses to topical applications indicated that Ethiprole is more potent than Fipronil, but it was noted that an RDL mutation in house flies could likely confer resistance to Ethiprole, though this mutation has yet to be found in house flies. Extension at Oklahoma State University developed a horn fly management pocket card to give producers quick information on horn fly management, as well as shared cattle producer survey responses for tick biology and management perspectives to develop targeted extension materials. UK Extension has developed statewide pest surveys to evaluate producer and caretaker pest concerns, control strategies, and needs for equine and cattle management across Kentucky, as well as developed Extension talks, fact sheets, and other resources for producers and Extension Agents. Similarly, PSU researchers developed the VectorED Network Vector library database, as well as three different surveys to assess the needs and knowledge of both pet owners and veterinarians. S1076 members shared state and nationwide updates on multiple key livestock pests of concern. Group members reviewed the current status of the northward expansion of the New World screwworm fly. This review provided an opportunity for members to share knowledge among our national group of veterinary entomologists. Entomologists representing several states and federal government agencies shared strategies on how best to prepare for the potential return of screwworm into the USA.

Publications

<ol> <li>Brown JE, Chuard P, Machtinger ET.Permission to bite: white-footed mice show no increased grooming response to tick infestation. J Zool. doi: 10.1111/jzo.70010.</li> <li>Bird E, Pickens V, Olds C, Silver K, Nayduch D. BALROG-ISO: a high-throughput pipeline for Bacterial AntimicrobiaL Resistance annOtation of Genomes-ISOlate whole genome. MicroPubl Biol. 2025 Nov 5;2025:10.17912/micropub.biology.001719. doi: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001719. PMID: 41268369; PMCID: PMC12628073</li> <li>Butler RA, Muller L, Poh KC, Aguilar M, Hokkanen-Harmon KS, Chandler JG, Grove D, Trout Fryxell RT. In review. Retrospective discovery of Theileria orientalis Ikeda in Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann ticks on a cow-calf farm. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 1770304.</li> <li>Butler RA, Chandler J, Paulsen DJ, Trout Fryxell RT. In review. Statewide passive surveillance confirms novel Theileria orientalis Ikeda and increased Anaplasmataceae bacteria in ticks collected from companion animals and livestock in Tennessee (USA). Journal of Medical Entomology. JME-2025-0365.</li> <li>D'Arco S, Maistrello L, Hubbard CB, Murillo AC, Gerry AC. Use of the Proboscis Extension Response Assay to Evaluate the Mechanism of House Fly Behavioral Resistance to Imidacloprid. Insects. 2024 Mar 1;15(3):168. doi: 10.3390/insects15030168. PMID: 38535364; PMCID: PMC10971017.</li> <li>ElAshmawy WR, Ferreira FC, Williams DR, Gerry AC, Aly SS. Daily Milk Losses Associated with Dairy Cow Bunching, Cattle's Protective Behavior Against Stable Flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) in California. Vet Sci. 2025 Oct 26;12(11):1035. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12111035. PMID: 41295673; PMCID: PMC12656969.</li> <li>Foy PD, Loetzerich SR, Boxler D, Burgess IV ER, Trout Fryxell RT, Gerry AC, Hinkle NC, Machtinger ET, Olds C, Tarone AM, Watson W, Scott JG, Meisel RP. Frequencies of house fly proto-Y chromosomes across populations are predicted by temperature heterogeneity within populations. J Hered. 2025 Jun 2; 116(3):208-215. Doi: 10.1093/jhered/esae056. PMID 39403852; PMCID <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esae056">https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esae056</a> *Editor’s Choice</li> <li>Gerry AC, Mullens BA, Zahn L, Jirjis F, Murillo AC, Hubbard CB, Wang Z. Efficacy of fluralaner solution administered to egg layer chickens through drinking water for control of northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum). Parasit Vectors. 2026 Jan 21. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-07240-w. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41559731.</li> <li>Griese H, Nayduch D, Silver K, Marshall J, Olds C. Impacts of agricultural antibiotic exposure on the development and gene expression of Musca domestica [dissertation]. 2025.</li> <li>Grimenstein AE, Doyle MA,  King BH, Geden CJ. Longevity, Feeding Behavior, and Egg Production of Adult House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) Provided with Potential Foods on Dairy Farms. J Insect Sci 2025 May 2025; 25(3): 1 <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf045">org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf045</a></li> <li>Hogsette JA, Kline DL, Bowman A. 2025. Alternative sources of carbon dioxide for attracting stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans(L.), to traps. J. Fla. Mosq. Ctrl. Assn. 2025 Aug 14; 73(1);</li> <li>Hubbard CB, Gerry AC, Murillo AC. Evaluation of the stability of physiological and behavioral resistance to imidacloprid in the house fly (Musca domestica L.) (Diptera: Muscidae). Pest Manag Sci. 2024 Mar;80(3):1361-1366. doi: 10.1002/ps.7866. Epub 2023 Nov 20. PMID: 37915306.</li> <li>Lu S, Miller N, Wilson A, Geden CJ, Stoffolano JG, Ribiero J. A Deep Insight into the Sialome of the Housefly, Musca domestica, Infected with the Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus (MdSGHV). Sci Rep 2025 15: 8047. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-92569-6">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-92569-6</a></li> <li>Mazzatosta A, Cleveland CA, Yabsley MJ, Hayes E, Tiffin HS, Machtinger ET, Johnson JB, Ternent M, Carollo E, Brown JD.Prevalence of Dirofilariamicrofilaria in American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Pennsylvania, 2018–2020. J Parasitol. doi: 10.1645/24-51.</li> <li>MüllerGC, Hogsette JA, Junnila A, Traore MM, Revay EE, Prozorov AM, Israël DK, Yakovlev RV, Saldaitis A, Arheart KL, Penner RL, Kline DL, Beier JC, Cui L, Xue RD, Schlein Y. Toxic Contact Targets (TCTs) for management of sand flies and reduction of Leishmania infection rates in residual populations. J Fla Mosq Cntrl Assn. 2025 June 30;72(1):56-65. doi:10.32473/jfmca.72.1.139358</li> <li>Murillo AC, Abdoli A, Blatchford RA, Keogh EJ, Gerry AC. Low levels of chicken body louse (Menacanthus stramineus) infestations affect chicken welfare in a cage-free housing system. Parasit Vectors. 2024 May 14;17(1):221. doi: 10.1186/s13071-024-06313-6. PMID: 38745229; PMCID: PMC11092089.</li> <li>Narvaez ZE, Egizi AM, Yabsley MJ, Thompson AT, Moustafa M, Alt E, Bickerton M, Bjorgo K, Butler RA, Cumbie A, Eastwood G, Falco RC, Fonseca DM, Hang J, Harper VL, Lewis N, Lovy J, Maestas LP, Mather TN, Nakao R, Occi JL, Rainey T, Sal M, Stoops CA, Trout-Fryxell RT, Watson W, Wagner NE, Zheng A, Saelao P, Price DC. Multiple Introductions of the Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) to the United States Revealed Using Mitogenomics. Ecol Evol. 2025 Apr 24;15(4):e71312. doi: 10.1002/ece3.71312. PMID: 40276246; PMCID: PMC12018891.</li> <li>Nayduch D, Scroggs SLP, Shults P, Brendel LA, Reister-Hendricks LM, Taylor C, Bird E, Lopez B, Marshall ES. Detection of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus RNA in filth flies collected from California farms in 2024. Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 28;16(1):375. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29856-9. PMID: 41315678; PMCID: PMC12770564.</li> <li>Neupane S, Davis T, Olds C, Nayduch D, McGregor BL. Unraveling the relationships between midge abundance and incidence, microbial communities, and soil and water properties in a protected natural tallgrass prairie. Parasit Vectors. 2025 Apr 19;18(1):146. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-06780-5. PMID: 40253342; PMCID: PMC12009528.</li> <li>Roberts C, Brown J, Esoldo M, Green K, Chambers GZ, Marconi RT, Andrews B, Thangamani S, Durden L, Machtinger ET. Ectoparasite burden and tick-borne pathogen prevalence in eastern gray squirrels: a suburban risk factor for tick-borne disease? J Med Entomol. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjaf125.</li> <li>Smith KV, Chandler JG, Butler RA, Smartt W, Beaty S, Trout Fryxell RT. Detection and response to Haemaphysalis longicornis and Theileria orientalis Ikeda on a cow-calf farm in Tennessee (USA). Med Vet Entomol. 2025 Dec 15. doi: 10.1111/mve.70043. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41397043.</li> <li>Swanson DA, Snyder D, Bingham GV, Cohnstaedt LW. Efficacy of treated nets to impede Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). J Vector Ecol. 2025 Dec;50(2):111-119. doi: 10.52707/1081-1710-50.2-111. PMID: 41420813.</li> <li>Pickens V, Hall B, Yeater K, Purvis T, Bird E, Brooke G, Olds C, Nayduch D. Bacterial abundance and antimicrobial resistance prevalence carried by adult house flies (Diptera: Muscidae) at Kansas dairy and beef cattle operations. J Med Entomol. 2025 Jul 17;62(4):984-994. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjaf052. PMID: 40261132.</li> <li>Tiffin HS, Brown JD, Kelly K, Van Why KR, Ternent M, Camire AC, Schulerf EJA, Marconi RT, Machtinger ET. Infestation by Sarcoptes scabieicauses distinct differences in sarcoptic mange disease syndromes among sympatric carnivoran species in Pennsylvania, USA. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. doi: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101070.</li> <li>Tsecouras JC, Hung KY, Henke JA, Gerry AC. EFFECT OF SEX AND AGE ON SURVIVAL OF ADULT CULEX TARSALIS FROM A SUSCEPTIBLE LABORATORY STRAIN EXPOSED TO PERMETHRIN IN THE CDC BOTTLE BIOASSAY. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2024 Dec 1;40(4):169-173. doi: 10.2987/24-7167. PMID: 39552080.</li> <li>Zhang X, Li J, Gerry AC. Seasonal change and influence of environmental variables on host-seeking activity of the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis at a southern California dairy, USA. Parasit Vectors. 2024 May 10;17(1):212. doi: 10.1186/s13071-024-06290-w. PMID: 38730488; PMCID: PMC11083819.</li> </ol> Extension Factsheets <ol> <li>Smith KV, Trout Fryxell RT. Species Highlight: New World Screwworm. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture; Extension Publication W1338. 2025. <a href="https://utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-content/uploads/sites/269/2025/08/W1338.pdf">https://utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-content/uploads/sites/269/2025/08/W1338.pdf</a></li> </ol>   Popular Press <ol> <li>Boxler, D. (2025, April). Rangeland grasshoppers in 2025. Beef Watch. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. <a href="https://beef.unl.edu/rangeland-grasshoppers-2025/">https://beef.unl.edu/rangeland-grasshoppers-2025/</a> [242 page views]</li> <li>Boxler, D. (2025, May). Horn flies and grazing cattle. Beef Watch. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. <a href="https://beef.unl.edu/horn-flies-and-grazing-cattle/">https://beef.unl.edu/horn-flies-and-grazing-cattle/</a> [551 page views]</li> <li>Boxler, D. (2025, June). Stable flies on pastured cattle. Beef Watch. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. <a href="https://beef.unl.edu/stable-flies-pastured-cattle/">https://beef.unl.edu/stable-flies-pastured-cattle/</a> [316 page views]</li> <li>Boxler, D. (2025, September). Asian longhorned ticks spreading west toward Nebraska. Beef Watch. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. <a href="https://beef.unl.edu/asian-longhorned-ticks-spreading-west-towards-nebraska/">https://beef.unl.edu/asian-longhorned-ticks-spreading-west-towards-nebraska/</a> [266 page views]</li> <li>Boxler, D. (2025, December). Preparing cattle for lice. Beef Watch. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. <a href="https://beef.unl.edu/prepare-cattle-lice/">https://beef.unl.edu/prepare-cattle-lice/</a> [196 page views]</li> <li>Total Entomology Reach (Beef Watch, 2025): 1,571 page views</li> <li>Smith KV, Trout Fryxell RT. Protecting Tennessee Cattle: New Training Project to Combat Tick-Borne Diseases. Tennessee Cattle Business, Vol. 40. No. 2. February 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Trout Fryxell RT. House Flies on Cattle Farms: A Hidden Threat to Herd Health. Tennessee Cattle Business, Vol. 40. No. 4. April 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Trout Fryxell RT. Updates from the University of Tennessee Medical and Veterinary Entomology Lab: New World Screwworm and REEVES Expo. Tennessee Cattle Business, Vol. 40. No. 6. June 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Trout Fryxell RT. Highlights from the 2025 Livestock Insect Workers Conference. Tennessee Cattle Business, Vol. 40. No. 9. September 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Trout Fryxell RT. National Longhorned Tick Website to be Launched Under the University of Tennessee’s Leadership. Tennessee Cattle Business, Vol. 40. No. 11. November 2025.</li> </ol>   Conference Presentations <ol> <li>Smith KV, Chavez Renteria JG, Ragland C, Craft L, Chandler J, Trout Fryxell RT. A S.M.A.R.T. approach to fly and tick surveillance in beef cattle production systems.” Student Presentation. Entomological Society of America Meeting, Portland, OR. Nov. 9-12, 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Gan H, Nasiri A, Trout Fryxell RT. “Developing a S.M.A.R.T. surveillance platform for fly and tick detection on beef cattle.” Invited Poster at Bayer Crop Science FFAR Fellows Residential Session, St. Louis, MO. Oct. 26-29, 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Gan H, Nasiri A, DeLong KL, Trout Fryxell RT. “A S.M.A.R.T. approach to fly and tick surveillance in beef cattle production systems.” Student Presentation. Livestock Insect Workers Conference Annual Meeting. Cody, WY. July 6-9, 2025.</li> </ol> <ol start="4"> <li>Trout Fryxell RT, Smith KV, Saufley JO, Chavez Renteria JG, Fajardo AD, Frost SR, Piper SI, Ratliff CC, Stacy SE, Stroup PL, Hinkle N, Olds C, Swiger SL.July 2025. Developing a collaborative tick surveillance and management network: Insights from eight veterinary entomology scholars on emerging tick-borne threats to U.S. cattle (year 1). Submitted 30-minute presentation at the Livestock Insects Workers Conference, Cody, WY. July 6-9, 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Trout Fryxell RT. Team Science in Action. July 2025. 10-minute online presentation in the 2025 REEVES REEU Expo. July 23, 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Saufley JO, Chavez Renteria JG, Fajardo AD, Frost SR, Piper SI, Ratliff CC, Stacy SE, Hinkle N, Olds C, Swiger SL. November 2025. Learning from the past, while working in the present, to train the next generation of future veterinary entomologists. Invited Poster at the Entomological Society of America Meeting, Portland, OR. Nov. 9-12, 2025.</li> <li>Smith KV, Chavez Renteria JG, Ragland C, Craft L, Chandler J, Trout Fryxell RT. A S.M.A.R.T. approach to fly and tick surveillance in beef cattle production systems. Student Presentation. Entomological Society of America Meeting, Portland, OR. Nov. 9-12, 2025.</li> <li>Hogsette JA, Kline DL, Norris EJ. The search continues for effective stable fly and mosquito repellents. Ent Soc Am Ann Meet, Phoenix, AZ. 2024 Nov 10.</li> <li>Hogsette JA, Kline DL, Norris EJ. Evaluation of chemicals with prospective attractant and repellent properties against stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans(L.). 20th Arbovirus Surveill Mosq Cntrl Wkshp, St. Augustine, FL. 2025 March 25. </li> <li>Bingham GV, Johnston N, Zhu J, Wang HJ, Hetherington M, Morrison WR III, Brewer G, Boxler D. Alternatives to conventional insecticides for control of biting and nuisance flies on pasture cattle. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting; Nov 2025; Portland, OR</li> <li>Hogsette JA. 2025. Vector Control for Veterinary Facilities. Vector Management and Disease Risks for Veterinarians Training Meeting. Anastasia Mosq Cntrl Dist St. Johns Cty, St. Augustine, Fla. 2025 April 23. </li> <li>Hetherington M, Johnston N, Morrison WR III, Brewer G, Bingham GV. Alternatives to conventional insecticides for control of biting and nuisance flies on pasture cattle. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting; Nov 2025; Portland, OR.</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

As threats like the Asian longhorned tick and Theileria orientalis continue to expand their range, projects in Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee are evaluating the epidemiology and impact of this disease complex, including genotyping the pathogen and identifying potential alternative vectors
Several states have already initiated proactive rapid response to the potential incursion of screwworm, with information provided largely relying on the expertise of our multistate members. The multistate group has therefore been instrumental in our rapid national response to screwworm
To help producers make data-driven decisions, researchers in Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are developing producer-friendly methods that incorporate animal behavior, computer vision, and/or binomial sequential sampling. Preliminary results indicate that automated systems can detect flies and ticks on animals as well as animal behaviors in response to pests. These new methods will allow producers to develop decision-making strategies that consider animals with different backgrounds and pest tolerance levels.
Researchers in Kentucky and Nebraska are advancing biological control strategies using fly parasitoids and black soldier fly larvae. In parallel, Nebraska researchers evaluated alternative fly control products in response to producer interest
In California, research demonstrated that effective control of spinose ear ticks in dairy cattle following permethrin treatment reduced irritation behaviors
. Group members have used simulation modeling to evaluate electron beam (eBeam) irradiation as an alternative source of ionizing radiation. Results indicate that eBeam technology could provide a viable and flexible option for sterilizing screwworms, increasing resilience and redundancy in national response capacity and informing USDA decision-making as control strategies are adapted to expanding geographic risk
Research in Texas developed transgenic stable fly strain with diverse downstream applications as well as an improved microinjection protocol which will accelerate research in this area.
Our multi-state approach was leveraged to tackle large issues which was highlighted by a call for samples of poultry little beetles made at the 2025 meeting. Samples sent from multiple states to be tested for their resistance to insecticides, the results of which were presented at the 2026 meeting, highlighting how rapidly research can be carried out on a large scale through multi-state partnerships
This group’s research is always producer driven, evidenced by an article printed in BEEF magazine entitled ‘Land-grant scientists’ work safeguards livestock’ (https://www.beefmagazine.com/livestock-management/land-grant-scientists-work-safeguards-livestock)
An updated online pesticide database search tool (VetPestX) was developed over the past two years with an anticipated roll out to the public at the end of February 2026. This updated search tool uses a new aggregated search information retrieval algorithm to scour and retrieve information from open source USEPA documents to build a searchable database of pesticides with EPA registration for use against specific pests of animals
Members continue to collaborate on pest research across states and institutions and have submitted numerous multi-state grant funding proposals to advance pest research, education, and extension in the U.S. Collectively, these efforts provide producers and Extension personnel with actionable guidance to select appropriate tools, reduce unnecessary inputs, and integrate biological, botanical, and targeted tactics into IPM programs that improve pest management, animal comfort, and insecticide resistance management.