Economic Impact - Other Diseases

There is a whole series of other human and animal diseases for which nuisance flies can also be considered as possible or potential vectors, although their role in the dissemination of these pathogens is usually not a major one.

Among these diseases, the following can be cited:  

• Helicobacter pylori in humans (Grubel, 1997)
• Aujesky's disease in pigs and sheep (Medveczky, 1988)
• Cryptosporidium parvum in cattle (Grazyk, 1999)
• Foot-and-mouth disease in ungulates (Greenberg, 1973)
• Mycobacterial infections in cattle and pigs (Fischer, 2001)
• Anthrax (Turell, 1987)
• Bovine rhinotracheitis in cattle (Lancaster, 1986)

The above list is far from being exhaustive.

For several diseases, the role of flies as vectors is well-established and well-documented. For some others, flies may only play a minor role in transmission. However, given the huge size of fly populations, their role cannot be neglected from an epidemiological point of view.

Finally, for numerous other pathogens, the potential role of flies as vectors is suggested and supported by strong experimental evidence.

Adequate fly control is therefore justified both from a public health and an economic point of view.