Prevalence of biting and non-biting flies in relation to species in the Jos Museum Zoological Garden, north central Nigeria

Abstract

Several Dipteran flies are vectors of diseases in the Afro-tropical region. The study was carried out to determine the species abundance of biting and non biting flies prevalent at the Jos Museum Zoological Garden, north central Nigeria. The flies were trapped using Biconical traps during the raining season of August-September 2013. The flies were harvested three times a week at an interval of 48 hours. Stomoxys calcitrans is the most abundant species trapped. There were significantly more flies in the Lion, Bovidae (Donkey, Carmel and Horse) and Ostrich sites compared to Human routes, Chimpanzee and Hyena sites suggesting a correlation between flies abundance and body size of animal. Flies proportions were compared using Chi-square test. There is a significant difference in the abundance of biting and non-biting flies. There is also a significant difference in the abundance of flies in relation to species and trapping sites. The biting effects on resident animals and tourists were discussed. The Jos Museum Zoological Garden being the oldest and second largest tourist destination in Nigeria will require concerted efforts to put in proper control measures to prevent flies infestation. This can be done through improved hygienic conditions and wastes management.

Distribution of Fly Pests in a Farm in Plateau State, Nigeria

“…However, they did not report any of the Nematoceran flies. A similar study which was conducted by Njila et al (2015) at Jos Zoological garden reported the presence of house flies (Musca spp; non -biting fly) and stable fly (biting fly) among the flies collected around the wild life. However, the methods of collection differ, but his findings partially agreed with our results in areas of the presence of both house fly and stable fly around the livestock farm.…”

Diversity and Abundance of Nonculicid Biting Flies (Diptera) In A Zoo Environment

“…Physical injuries can occur due to bites from nonculicid biting flies and lead to secondary excoriations or ulcerative lesions. These injuries can lead to infections or scar tissue, negatively impacting animal well-being and reducing the attractiveness of animals on display (Njila et al 2015). In terms of behavior, animals may partake in more defensive behaviors at the expense of feeding or resting in response to high biting pressure (Ralley et al 1992, Toupin et al 1996.…”

“…The biological or epidemiological implications of larger populations of these species in the zoo is not known, but those more abundant species are known pests and/or vectors. Stomoxys calcitrans is a large, conspicuous species inflicting painful, stress-inducing bites that can cause physical damage to hosts (e.g., blisters and lesions) (Schwinghammer et al 1987, Catangui et al 1997, Njila et al 2015. The need for targeted control of stable flies in the zoo is unclear.…”

“…Some species can be more abundant in zoos than in surrounding habitats (Vilar et al 2011). Surveys of nonculicid biting flies in zoological parks include Culicoides (Ceratopogonidae) (Labuschagne et al 2007, Nelder et al 2010, Vilar et al 2011 and stable flies (Muscidae) (Rugg 1982, Changbunjong et al 2012, Ose and Hogsette 2014, Njila et al 2015. Reports of black flies (Simuliidae) and sand flies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in zoos are lacking.…”

“…However, disease agents transmitted by these flies are known from zoo animals (Halpern and Bennett 1983, Rose et al 2004, Malta et al 2010, indicating these vectors potentially occur in zoos. Knowledge regarding horse flies and deer flies (Tabanidae) in zoos is lacking as well (Adler et al 2011, Njila et al 2015. In addition to acting as vectors, nonculicid biting flies undoubtedly contribute to the biting pressure experienced by zoo animals, which can negatively impact their well-being.…”