Costs of Horn Fly Control for Cow-Calf Producers in Tennessee and Texas

Horn flies (Haematobia irritans (L.)) are a common livestock pest. They feed 20-40 times per day, resulting in blood loss, pathogen introduction, production inefficiencies, and hide damage, which could reduce profitability in livestock production. Horn fly management strategies can reduce the severity of these problems. Several studies have found greater weight gains in cattle with fewer flies compared with cattle with heavy infestations. Kunz et al. (1991) estimated the monetary damages of horn flies to the United States (US) livestock industry to be $876 million, which is $1.75 billion in 2021 dollars. Since horn flies can cause monetary losses, it is important to evaluate the economic impact of using different control methods in cattle production. One measurable aspect is how much producers spend managing horn flies, which may include chemical delivery methods (e.g. ear tags, pour-ons, sprays, feedthroughs) and non-chemical methods (e.g., walk through traps, BT technology, and pasture management). We surveyed Tennessee and Texas cow-calf producers regarding their horn fly management costs and approaches and estimated the factors influencing their horn fly management costs. This information is important because horn fly management costs are likely to differ based on location, demographics, perceptions, and traditional practices. Additionally, producers and researchers may be interested in the factors affecting producer decision making and horn fly management expenditures.