Molecular detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in face flies (Musca autumnalis) collected during a strangles outbreak on a Thoroughbred farm

Med Vet Entomol. 2020 Mar;34(1):120-122. doi: 10.1111/mve.12394. Epub 2019 Jul 7.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to detect Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) (Lactobacillales: Streptococcaceae) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in flies collected from a farm with a documented outbreak of strangles. A total of 1856 face flies [Musca autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae)] were collected using conventional fly traps. The flies were processed for nucleic acid purification and tested for the presence of S. equi by qPCR. A total of 10/1856 flies (0.54%) tested qPCR-positive for S. equi. The results may implicate the presence of face flies as a risk factor for the transmission of S. equi and highlight the need to institute proper husbandry measures, biosecurity protocols and fly control in order to reduce the potential for infection in at-risk horses.

Keywords: Face fly; Streptococcus equi subspecies equi; qPCR; risk factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • California / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary*
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Horse Diseases / transmission*
  • Horses
  • Muscidae / microbiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / transmission
  • Streptococcal Infections / veterinary*
  • Streptococcus / isolation & purification*

Supplementary concepts

  • Streptococcus equi subsp. equi