The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

The study group covers the family Oestridae of which there are probably only 9 extant species in Britain, and possibly even fewer in Ireland. The initial aim of the study group is to collate current and historic distributional data.

Oestridae larvae are internal parasites of various animals; most species being host-specific and unable to complete their life-cycle in the wrong type of animal. Some species affect domesticated livestock, and have suffered catastrophic declines or extinction due to improved animal husbandry, i.e. the widespread use of various drugs and poisons. The two Hypoderma species causing warbles in cattle were eradicated from Britain during the 1970s and 1980s; likewise, Gasterophilius must have suffered catastrophic declines in recent decades due to the 'worming' of horses.  Infestation by the Sheep Nostril Fly, Oestrus ovis, is harder to diagnose and treat; nevertheless, it is probably uncommon in modern Britain and Ireland. The remaining resident British and Irish Oestridae are less at risk of national extinction as their hosts are Red Deer, Roe Deer and Reindeer. 

Organiser: Andrew Grayson