Issue or Situation

Across Kentucky, livestock producers and Extension Agents have consistently identified flies as one of the most frustrating pests impacting animal health, comfort, and productivity—especially in beef cattle and horses. Despite widespread use of sprays for horses and feed-through treatments or ear tags for cattle, many producers report that these methods are time-consuming, offer limited residual control, and are increasingly ineffective due to resistance. With constrained resources and limited efficacy of traditional tools, there is a growing need for sustainable, low-effort alternatives to help producers manage fly populations on their farms.

Program Description (Education Response) and Partners

In response to this need, Dr. Hannah Tiffin (Med/Vet Entomologist, Dept. of Entomology), provided targeted fly management presentations at multiple local and multi-county extension events such as Horses & Horsemen and Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) meetings. These programs addressed fly identification, integrated control options, and included interactive surveys and question/answer listening sessions to gauge pest control concerns and challenges. Concurrently, Dr. Tiffin partnered with USDA Agricultural Research Service to evaluate native populations of fly parasitoid wasps on Kentucky horse farms, which naturally target and kill flies in their pupal stage before adult fly emergence. This research was supported by the UK Student Sustainability Council and the Office of Undergraduate Research, which funded a student fellow to conduct field trials at UK North Farm, UK Woodford Farm, and Coolmore-Ashford Stud (a.k.a. Coolmore America)—a global leader in thoroughbred breeding and an enthusiastic industry collaborator.

Target Audience & Reach

Over 260 cattle producers and equine owners and 90 Extension Agents (including repeat agents that attended multiple trainings and listening sessions) participated in these presentations during FY 2024. Public audience participants included a mix of commercial beef cattle producers and operators, small-scale hobby farmers, and equine owners and caretakers, with many representing multigenerational family farms. Producers expressed high engagement during sessions and a strong interest in practical, cost-effective pest solutions.

Outcomes or Program Impact

During listening sessions and interactive surveys conducted at these events, most participants identified flies and ticks as the primary threats to livestock health in Kentucky. Common challenges reported included limited access to effective pest control tools and a lack of knowledge about prevention and management strategies. When asked about preferred formats for receiving educational information, participants overwhelmingly favored written materials (such as fact sheets), visual resources (like infographics), hands-on demonstrations, and in-person trainings. In contrast, online formats such as webinars and social media posts were viewed as less useful. This feedback is being used to guide the development of in-depth pest surveys to assess the pest control needs, practices, and barriers faced by cattle and equine owners across the state. It is also informing the creation of practical, accessible educational materials for Extension Agents and producers. In parallel, the parasitoid wasp study has confirmed the presence of these beneficial insects on several surveyed horse farms. These findings contribute to new knowledge on sustainable, non-chemical options for fly control around equine facilities and have the potential to support future integrated pest management efforts in Kentucky.