Description
Supona Buffalo Fly Insecticide
Active Ingredient: Chlorfenvinphos @ 200g/L
Similar or comparable to Exiguard Buffalo Fly Insecticide (Hunter River Co.) & Roust Buffalo Fly Insecticide (Hunter River Co.)
Supona Buffalo Fly Insecticide is a special formulation for use in cattle back rubbers and as an overspray for control of buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua). Supona Buffalo Fly Insecticide is made from Chlorfenvinphos, an Anticholinesterase compound that requires to be handled and used with extreme care. It is registered for use in Qld, WA, NT & NSW.
Buffalo flies are an economically important parasite of cattle, mostly present in the north and north-eastern parts of Australia. They cause significant production impacts if left uncontrolled. A range of control options exist, but an integrated approach using both chemical and non-chemical control options will give the best results.
What chemical control options are available to control Buffalo Fly;
Ear tags: Insecticide-impregnated plastic ear tags are the most widely used method of buffalo fly control in Australia. The tags slowly release chemicals over a defined period. Cattle grooming and interaction deposits chemical from the tags onto the shoulder, back and flanks of treated animals. Tags must be removed at the end of the payout period to avoid exposing flies to sub-lethal doses of chemical.
Dips and Sprays: Sprays are applied as backline or full-body sprays/dips. Multiple treatments are generally required throughout the season. Sprays must be mixed and applied correctly in order to obtain effective chemical levels on the cattle. Failure to follow label directions may result in poor results and hasten the development of resistance. Cattle should be treated in a race and not in a yard.
Pour-on’s: A number of pour-on products have registered claims for buffalo fly control. They must also be applied correctly but their relative ease of use makes them attractive to some producers for buffalo fly control.
Back rubbers/side rubbers/rubbing posts: These devices allow the self-application of chemicals when cattle rub against them. This also provides relief from fly irritation. Back rubbers are economical and suitable for points where cattle congregate such as watering points or supplementary feeding points.
What impact does Buffalo Fly have on cattle;
Buffalo flies live permanently on their host, the females only leaving to lay eggs in freshly deposited dung pats. They feed 10–40 times each day and can only live for 1 or 2 days off the host. The life cycle from egg to egg takes less than 14 days under optimal conditions of hot humid weather but is extended during cool weather.
Newly emerged flies seeking their first host can fly up to 8 km in the search. The movement of fly-infested animals can be an important method of longer distance spread between herds.
Buffalo fly infestations vary from animal to animal. Bulls and dark-coated cattle, especially black cattle, seem to carry the largest fly burdens. Apart from obvious animal welfare impacts, lower weight gain and lower milk production have been measured in heavily infested cattle.
Some cattle are ‘allergic’ to buffalo flies and are intensely irritated by as few as 4 or 5 flies. These cattle scratch and rub themselves constantly, which results in large sores on their necks and sides. The value of the hide is reduced when cattle have developed skin sores as a result of buffalo fly infestation.
Some sores present on cattle, especially in the corner of their eyes or on their necks are caused by a parasitic nematode Stephanofilaria stilesi which is transmitted by buffalo flies between cattle.
Why choose Supona Buffalo Fly Insecticide
- Contains the active ingredient Chlorfenvinphos.
- Controls Buffalo Fly.
- Registered for use with Beef & Dairy Cattle.
- Nil Meat and Milk Withholding Periods.
- Can be used in Backrubbers or as an Overspray.
It is generally considered that infestations of more than 200 flies per animal (100 per side) for beef cattle or 30 per dairy cow (15 per side) are necessary to reduce production. Fly infestations can vary significantly between animals, even in the same mob.
Pack Size: 5-Litre
Registrant: Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd (APVMA #: 45594)
Andrew Wilson (verified owner)
Excellent. Only buffalo fly treatment that works
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Jamie Butler (verified owner)
I used Supona for years on back rubber and spray but the last 4 years I haven’t been able to get it anywhere until I saw it on the Specialist Sales website. Working great again
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