The house fly that we know very well in town has a close cousin:the anthrax fly. The latter lives rather in rural areas and annoys the humans who live there. Nevertheless, this fly is much more formidable in many ways!
In spring as in summer, the beautiful days are often punctuated by the presence of flies. In rural areas, however, the smut fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) is more common. , also known as the "stomox" or "stable fly". In addition to invading us like the house fly, the smut fly bites and feeds on blood in adulthood regardless of gender. In the absence of blood, it can still survive by feeding on nectar and pollen. Unfortunately, its bites give pimples that cause itching. Above all, these persist for about a week against two to three days for mosquito bites.
The sooty fly is therefore found in the countryside, where it enjoys sunbathing on tree trunks, palisades, walls and other glass. The fact is that its presence in these areas is no accident. In barns, sheepfolds and other stables, manure and dung are found in abundance . The fly lays its eggs there, giving coprophagous larvae after hatching.
You should know that the bites of the anthrax are not without risk, both for humans and animals. The insect can indeed transmit diseases such as equine infectious anemia virus to animals. Often targeting cattle and horses, the fly impacts the lives of these animals on a daily basis. Indeed, harassment and the pain of stings are a source of stress, altering their rest periods and their ability to feed.
In a 2018 publication, entomologist Gérard Duvallet of the Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE) recalled the details of a study concerning a cattle farm on the island Of the reunion. During a fly outbreak, researchers had taken into account the blood volume that the latter took. In conclusion, the study estimated blood loss at approximately one liter per day and per cattle.
Finally, let's talk about a disease that breeders particularly fear:anthrax (or anthrax) caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis . Affecting animals and humans, this disease is perfectly curable with a mortality of less than 1% of treated cases. On the other hand, if the disease is not recognized in time, the resulting sepsis quickly becomes fatal .
