Program Area: Medical and Veterinary Entomology

RESEARCH (70%)

Current investigations include the role of house flies and other arthropods in maintaining biosecurity on poultry farms. This project targets the dissemination of foodborne pathogens on and between farms, and in the community. IPM plays a vital role in improved biosecurity.

A second study is investigating pesticide alternatives for the management of horn flies on beef and dairy cattle. Horn fly densities were reduced to below threshold levels on cattle using a walk through fly trap. This and an ecological study of dung beetles and their role in pasture improvement and pest management are currently underway at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, Goldsboro, NC and the Piedmont Research Station, Salisbury, NC.

EXTENSION (30%)

Veterinary Entomology is the study of arthropod pests associated with livestock and poultry. Pest problems often arise from the activities of domestication and and culturing of livestock for food. Livestock and poultry pest management involves a diversity of host animals, their respective parasites and diseases, and how these problems impact humans. Cattle and horse producers are concerned with pasture flies, barn flies, ticks and tick borne disease. Concerns of the swine producer include cockroaches and flies, and their disease transmission potential. My research concentrates on establishing disease and disease transmission potential of targeted pests and to develop management practices under the IPM canopy, focusing on these pest issues. Such integrated strategies include cultural, biological, mechanical, and when needed, chemical control.

Publications
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