| Publications Szalanski, A.L., C.B. Owens, T. McKay, and C.D. Steelman. 2004. Detection of Campylobacter sp., and E. coli O157:H7 in filth flies (Diptera: Muscidae) by polymerase chain reaction. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 18:241-246.  McElroy, S., A.L. Szalanski, T. McKay, A.J. Bermudez, C.B. Owens, and C.D. Steelman. 2005. Molecular assay for the detection of Cochlosoma anatis in house flies and turkey specimens by polymerase chain reaction. Veterinary Parasitology 127: 165-168. Owens, C.B., and A.L. Szalanski. 2005. Filter Paper for Preservation, Storage, and Distribution of Insect and Pathogen DNA Samples. Journal of Medical Entomology 42: 709-711. 
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Insect Genetics Laboratory  Molecular detection of
pathogens
carried by filth flies associated with poultry production
facilities
(part of USDA CSREES PMAP Grant, CRIS ARK01962) C.D. Steelman
(PI), S.E. Watkins
(Co-PI), A.L. Szalanski (Co-PI)
and Tanja McKay (Post-Doc- now at ASU) Summary The use of filth fly monitoring and integrated pest management tactics in broiler-breeder egg and turke finishing production systems is practically non-existent. In general, the Poultry Companies and Producers are completely dependent upon insecticides for fly management in these facilities. Fear of pathogens that cause human and poultry disease, development of insecticide-resistance by the house fly and other filth fly species, along with threats of legal action form the continued human population expansion into agricultural areas has stimulated interest in the development of a filth fly IPM system by Poultry companies and the broiler-breeder egg and turkey producers. The broiler-breeder egg and turkey finishing facilities provide a unique environment for the proliferation of filth fly populations. Massive numbers of filth flies including the house fly, black garbage flies, and the lesser housefly, are produced and become highly problematic due to their disease vector competency and dispersal to surrounding areas. Adult flies collected during the monitoring portion of the study will be tested to identify pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella that they are carrying using diagnostic PCR of pathogen DNA. Standard fly management procedures using insecticides will be compared with alternative biological control agents such as wasp parasites of fly pupae, entomopathogenic nematodes and pathogenic fungus. In addition, alternative methods of insecticide formulation and application procedures such as wall spraying spot-treatment of manure and use of attractant/insecticide trapping devices will be evaluated. This research will result in filth fly: 1. monitoring and activity index GIS mapping systems that are effective and easy to use, 2. identity of pathogens carried by filth flies in broiler-breeder egg and turkey facilities, and 3. alternative tactics in an IPM system that will reduce dependence on insecticides in these poultry production facilities. |
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