Objective:
The overall objective of this research is to develop effective and environmentally safe tools and sustainable strategies for the integrated management of livestock pests. Toward that goal our specific objectives for the next 5 years are to: 1) Develop and improve methods of chemical control of horn flies and stable flies; 2) Develop alternatives to classical chemical control of horn flies and stable flies; and 3) Develop and evaluate control strategies to provide sustainable pest management practices.

Approach:
Use in-vitro and in-vivo bioassays to evaluate new classes of chemical control agents against horn flies and stable flies. Develop and improve both conventional and controlled release chemical delivery systems to increase the effectiveness, improve efficiency, reduce the quantity of pesticide needed, and improve the safety of chemical control. Develop biological and physical control technologies for blood-feeding flies on cattle. Create and use simulation models to serve as a framework to guide both research and implementation of sustainable control programs. Develop and test sustainable horn fly and stable fly management strategies for pastured cattle. Develop computer assisted decision-aid programs for use by extension personnel and producers. Develop protocols for the selective breeding of cattle resistant to horn flies.