Survey of Pest Management Practices on Washington Dairy Farms

Holly J Ferguson; Kit Galvin; Victoria B Vásquez; Michael Yost; Sally O'Neal

Survey of Pest Management Practices on Washington Dairy Farms

J Ext. 2015;53(2):2RIB8.

Authors

Holly J Ferguson¹, Kit Galvin², Victoria B Vásquez³, Michael Yost⁴, Sally O'Neal⁵

Affiliations

¹ Extension IPM Coordinator Specialist, Entomology Washington State University, Irrigated Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Prosser, Washington, hferguson@wsu.edu.
² Senior Research Industrial Hygienist, University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, Seattle, Washington, kgalvin@u.washington.edu.
³ Director of Community Engagement & Education, University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, Seattle, Washington, vbreck@uw.edu.
⁴ Professor, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, Seattle, Washington, airion@u.washington.edu.
⁵ Senior Extension Communications Specialist, Washington State University, Richland, Washington, soneal@wsu.edu.

PMID: 29520118
PMCID: PMC5839334

Abstract

Washington state dairy producers were surveyed to determine pest and parasite prevalence and range of current pest management strategies. Nearly all respondents reported treating their cattle or premises for flies, while 62% reported treating their animals for external parasites. Use of pyrethroid and pyrethrins insecticides was common throughout the state. Results indicated that use of non-chemical options to control flies are commonly used by Washington dairy producers and may have become more widespread since the late 1990s. Extension professionals could improve outreach education to dairies by partnering with farm supply stores, veterinarians, and feed distributors.

Grants and funding

U54 OH007544/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States