Blackflies.

Occurrence: Most problematic in northern temperate zone and subarctic, but some important species are found in tropics. Species affected: All. Age affected: All.

Causes: Blackflies (family Simuliidae) are also known as turkey or buffalo gnats are blood-sucking insects.

Effects: Can cause serious damage to humans and livestock, and in dense numbers can cause unthriftiness and anaemia. They also transmit blood protozoan parasites such as leucocytozoon, causing avian malaria.

Searched in: main page book/content book/newsletter