Buffalo fly is a significant welfare and production problem for cattle in northern Australia, causing chronic irritation and blood loss affecting millions of animals.
Cattle heavily infested with buffalo fly experience chronic irritation, behavioral disruption from fly avoidance, and blood loss causing anemia and poor welfare. Animals with high fly burdens spend considerable time tail swishing, head tossing, and seeking shelter at the expense of grazing time. Integrated pest management that combines chemical, biological, and genetic approaches is needed to maintain effective fly control.