The role of house fly (Musca domestica) in transmission of pathogenic strains of E.coli

Colibacillosis is an infectious disease caused by E. coli. This infection is spread by the feces and other secretions of infected animals and humans. Non-biting Muscid flies characteristically visit manure and decaying organic materials to feed and oviposit and may contribute to disease transmission.

This paper reviews the role of house flies (Musca domestica) in E.coli transmission at poultry farms.

In this study, 2000 house flies (Musca domestica) were collected from 2 commercial laying hen farms around Karaj. They were examined for the presence of the bacteria. In an adjacent study, laboratory-reared flies were experimentally exposed to E. coli (ATCC10536) strain and the infected samples were examined at regular intervals.

The E. coli was detected in the dissected gasterointestinal tract of laboratory-exposed flies for up to 72 h. post exposure, whereas after that time the infected flies and the untreated control flies were negative.

The results showed that considering the ability of mechanical vector during 72 hours, the E. coli transmission is possible in short time.