Evaluation of the House Fly Musca domestica as a Mechanical Vector for an Anthrax

Abstract

Anthrax is a disease of human beings and animals caused by the encapsulated, spore-forming, Bacillus anthracis. The potential role of insects in the spread of B. anthracis to humans and domestic animals during an anthrax outbreak has been confirmed by many studies. Among insect vectors, the house fly Musca domestica is considered a potential agent for disease transmission. In this study, laboratory-bred specimens of Musca domestica were infected by feeding on anthrax-infected rabbit carcass or anthrax contaminated blood, and the presence of anthrax spores in their spots (faeces and vomitus) was microbiologically monitored. It was also evaluated if the anthrax spores were able to germinate and replicate in the gut content of insects. These results confirmed the role of insects in spreading anthrax infection. This role, although not major, given the huge size of fly populations often associated with anthrax epidemics in domestic animals, cannot be neglected from an epidemiological point of view and suggest that fly control should be considered as part of anthrax control programs.

Anthrax Outbreaks in Bangladesh, 2009–2010

“…There might also have been some unknown exposure because the surrounding environment was contaminated by disposed animal carcasses, and stable flies and mosquitoes may play a role in transmission of animal and human anthrax. 5,[30][31][32] Lack of awareness of the cattle owners and the community regarding transmission of this disease from animals to humans, scarcity of the livestock vaccine, social norms, and poverty all contributed to these cutaneous anthrax outbreaks. The anthrax outbreaks affected households through livestock deaths and morbidity of humans.…”

Mechanism, stability and fitness cost of resistance to pyriproxyfen in the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

“…Musca domestica is a known nuisance and mechanically transmits variety of pathogens of more than 100 diseases of man and animals [2,3]. Poor sanitary conditions and large manure heaps often are provided in animal production units, which are a primary breeding source for this pest [1].…”

The Necrophagous Fly Anthrax Transmission Pathway: Empirical and Genetic Evidence from Wildlife Epizootics

“…Anthrax is reported nearly worldwide (Hugh-Jones 1999, Fasanella et al 2010, although the distribution of naturally occurring disease is limited by ecological factors (Blackburn 2010, Alexander et al 2012) and B. anthracis can be difficult to isolate from the environment. Outbreaks in the United States have been associated with wildlife, particularly white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginanus) in southwest Texas (Blackburn and Goodin 2013), and elk (Cervus elaphus), plains bison (Bison bison bison), and white-tailed deer in southwestern Montana (Hugh-Jones and Blackburn 2009).…”