The housefly, Musca domestica, as a possible mechanical vector of Newcastle disease virus in the laboratory and field

Newcastle disease (Paramyxoviridae) is a highly infectious virus shed in the faeces of infected birds. Non-biting Muscid flies characteristically visit manure and decaying organic material to feed and oviposit, and may contribute to disease transmission. The housefly, Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae), has been implicated as a mechanical vector of numerous pathogens. In this study 2000 aerial net-captured houseflies were examined for their ability to harbour Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In an adjacent study, laboratory-reared flies were experimentally exposed to NDV La Sota strain. The virus was detected in the dissected gastrointestinal tract of laboratory-exposed flies for up to 72 h post-exposure, whereas the untreated control flies were negative.