Application of Bacillus thuringiensis in poultry houses as a biological control agent against the housefly, Musca domestica sorbens
Labib, I.M.; Rady, M.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology 31(2): 531-544
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1110-0583 PMID: 11478452 Document Number: 539810
The efficiency of Bacillus thuringiensis as a microbial housefly control agent was evaluated in a natural maggot rearing medium, namely poultry faeces. Two commercial formulations, a wettable powder and a liquid concentrate were assayed against Musca domestica sorbens in synthetic fly breeding media and in chicken faeces. The latter was found to favour maggot breeding when compared with the synthetic one. Both formulations resulted in significant reduction in maggot numbers, pupal development and adult emergence. Concentration significantly affected adult emergence. The liquid concentrate induced higher larvicidal activity than the dry powder formulation. Contaminated faeces produced from orally fed chickens were significantly toxic to the maggots, reached maximum larvicidal activity at the 4th day post-feeding faeces, and continued with less activity until the 6th day. The addition of B. thuringiensis to chicken food is recommended for housefly control.