Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #227934
Title: Economic Impact of Stable Flies

Author
item Taylor, David
item Berkebile, Dennis

Submitted to: Livestock Insect Work Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/17/2008
Publication Date: 6/17/2008
Citation: Taylor, D.B., Berkebile, D.R. 2008. Economic Impact of Stable Flies. In: 52nd Livestock Insect Workers Conference, June 15-18, 2008, Kansas City, Missouri. Section 5: Beef Cattle.

Interpretive Summary: A dynamic model was created to estimate the economic impact of stable flies on livestock production. Based upon a nationwide average of 10 stable flies per animal for 3 months per year, the model estimates the impact of stable flies to be $543 million to the dairy industry, $1.34 billion to pasture cattle and $144 million to feedlot cattle. The model is compared to previous estimates and the variables and assumptions used to arrive at these estimates are discussed.

Technical Abstract: A dynamic model was created to estimate the economic impact of stable flies on livestock production. Based upon a nationwide average of 10 stable flies per animal for 3 months per year, the model estimates the impact of stable flies to be $543 million to the dairy industry, $1.34 billion to pasture cattle and $144 million to feedlot cattle. The model is compared to previous estimates and the variables and assumptions used to arrive at these estimates are discussed.