DYNAMICS OF PYRETHROID RESISTANCE IN HORN FLY, HAEMATOBIA IRRITANS (L.) (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE), POPULATIONS ON TAGGED AND UNTAGGED CATTLE IN MANITOBA

Abstract
Initially, fenvalerate and permethrin tags at two tags per animal and one tag for every other animal nearly eliminated horn flies [Haematobia irritons (L.)] at Glenlea Research Station, Manitoba. However, fly numbers increased 8 weeks post-treatment in 1987 and 6 weeks post-treatment in 1988. LC50 values of the flies to fenvalerate and permethrin increased toward the end of each season but the slope of regression lines decreased in 1987. In 1988, initial LC50 values were lower compared with those observed at the end of the 1987 season. When tags were applied in 1988, LC50 values increased from 0.42 to 3.14 μg per cm2 for fenvalerate and from 2.06 to 10.76 μg per cm2 for permethrin. Mortality observed at discriminating concentrations of fenvalerate (0.625 μg per cm2) and permethrin (5 μg per cm2) during the season decreased from 67.9 to 2.8% and from 66.8 to 5.7%, respectively. Cattle at Glenlea and in a second herd at Libau were not treated in 1989; susceptibility of flies resistant to pyrethroids did not change significantly during the season in these herds. Discontinuing use of pyrethroid-impregnated ear tags for one season was not long enough for substantial reduction in resistance to occur.