Host preferences of tabanid flies based on identification of blood meals by ELISA

Muzari, M.O., Burgess, G.W., Skerratt, L.F., Jones, R.E., and Duran , T.L. (2010) Host preferences of tabanid flies based on identification of blood meals by ELISA. Veterinary Parasitology, 174 (3-4). pp. 191-198.

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Abstract

Tabanid flies in Australia are potential vectors of the parasite Trypanosoma evansi which causes the animal disease surra. It is endemic to most of south-east Asia and could enter Australia, but evaluation of the potential impact of a surra incursion requires identification of the major hosts of Australian tabanids. This study investigated the natural pattern of feeding and host preference by tabanid flies of Townsville, north Queensland by identification of ingested blood in trap-caught tabanids using ELISA. The assays were developed for identification of horse, cow, macropod and pig blood meals. Macropods were the most frequent food source for each of six major tabanid species in the area. This did not vary with location for one species, Tabanus pallipennis, despite macropod densities being lower than other hosts such as cattle and horses in some locations. Feeding patterns on other hosts generally depended on availability and density of animals. All tabanid species fed on at least three of the host species tested and mixed meals were also commonly encountered, suggesting a level of opportunistic feeding in addition to a preference for macropods. Some of the blood meals detected were possibly from previous gonotrophic cycles. The results indicate that all tabanid species examined could potentially transmit surra and all the host types investigated could be affected, but macropods face the highest transmission risk.

Item ID: 15143
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1873-2550
Keywords: tabanids, feeding, Trypanosoma evansi, macropods, Australia
Date Deposited: 21 Dec 2010 07:06
FoR Codes: 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0707 Veterinary Sciences > 070708 Veterinary Parasitology @ 33%
07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0702 Animal Production > 070205 Animal Protection (Pests and Pathogens) @ 34%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060201 Behavioural Ecology @ 33%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9604 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species > 960405 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species at Regional or Larger Scales @ 50%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9604 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species > 960401 Border Biosecurity (incl. Quarantine and Inspection) @ 50%
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