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1. Mark 2/3
Submission date : 18/05/2016 E.C
Submitted to : Asmamaw Abera-MSc ,PhD
candidate
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ASRAT WELDEYES HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND ECOLOGY
GROUP ASSIENMENT
GROUP THREE : Black fly

2. Out line
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• Introduction to black fly
• public health importance of black fly
• Black fly borne diseases and climate change
• black fly borne disease status in Ethiopia
• black fly control method

3. Objective
 At the end of this presentation , the student will able to :
• Know about the feature of black fly
• Understand the public importance to black fly
• Know and understand black born disease and climate change
• Understand black fly borne disease status in Ethiopia and black fly control
method
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4. 1. Introduction to black fly
 Black flies are small, biting insects that are found in many parts
of the world, particularly in humid and tropical regions.
 They are also known as buffalo gnats or turkey gnats, and are
members of the family Simuliidae .
 Black flies are known for their painful bites, which can cause
swelling, itching, and redness.
• Black flies lay their eggs in water, and the larvae feed on small
aquatic organisms such as insects, crustaceans, and even fish.
• The larvae are filter feeders, using their mouthparts to strain
small particles from the water.
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5. Cont.……
• As they grow, the larvae molt several times, eventually entering a pupal stage
before emerging as adult black flies.
• Adult black flies are usually dark- colours with a metallic sheen, and have a
distinctive long, thin body shape.
• They have large, red- colours eyes and a pair of long, thin antennae.
 Black flies are known to be attracted to dark colour's and sweet odours, and are
often found near sources of water such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.
 Black flies are important vectors of disease, particularly in tropical and subtropical
regions.
 They can transmit a number of diseases to humans, including river blindness,
onchocerciasis, and loiasis.
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6. Cont.…….
• These diseases can cause a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, eye
problems, and joint pain.
• To control black fly populations, it is important to eliminate standing water around
homes and communities, as this can reduce the number of places where black flies
can lay their eggs.
• In addition, using insecticides and other control measures can help to reduce the
number of black flies in a given area.
2. public health importance of black fly
 Public health importance of black fly to :
– Vector to transmission diseases
– Geographical Distribution and Impact
– Control and Prevention Efforts
– Research and Surveillance
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7. Cont..…
A ) Vector to transmission diseases
 One of the primary public health concerns associated with black flies is their role
as vectors for disease transmission.
• They are known to transmit parasites that cause onchocerciasis, also referred to as
river blindness.
• Onchocerciasis is a debilitating disease that can lead to severe skin and eye
problems, including blindness.
B) Geographical Distribution and Impact
 Black flies are found in various regions around the world, particularly in areas with
flowing water sources such as rivers and streams.
 Their presence can significantly impact the health and well-being of communities
in these regions.
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8. Cont.….
C ) Control and Prevention Efforts
• Given the public health importance of black flies, efforts to control and prevent
the transmission of diseases they carry are crucial.
• Strategies for controlling black fly populations often involve environmental
management, such as altering water flow in breeding sites to disrupt their life
cycle.
D ) Research and Surveillance
 On-going research and surveillance efforts are essential for understanding the
distribution of black flies and monitoring disease transmission patterns.
• This includes studying the ecology of black flies, identifying high-risk areas for
disease transmission, and developing effective control measures.
• Surveillance helps public health authorities implement targeted interventions to
mitigate the impact of black fly-borne diseases on human populations.
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9. 3. Black fly borne diseases and climate change
 black fly-borne diseases and climate change is a topic of growing concern due to
the potential impact of changing environmental conditions on the distribution and
prevalence of these diseases.
 Impact of Climate Change on Black Fly Populations
• Climate change can have a significant impact on the distribution and abundance
of black fly populations.
• Warmer temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and changes in stream flow
can create more favourable breeding conditions for black flies.
• Additionally, extended warm seasons can result in prolonged periods of black fly
activity, increasing the risk of exposure to their bites.
 Black Fly-Borne Diseases
• Black flies are known to transmit various pathogens that can cause diseases in
humans and animals.
• One of the most well-known diseases associated with black flies is onchocerciasis,
also known as river blindness.
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10. Cont.…..
• This disease is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted
to humans through the bites of infected black flies. Onchocerciasis can lead to severe
skin and eye problems, including blindness.
 Climate Change and Disease Transmission;
• The relationship between climate change and black fly-borne diseases extends beyond
the impact on black fly populations.
• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can also influence the geographic
range of these diseases.
• Warmer temperatures may expand the suitable habitat for black flies and the
pathogens they carry, potentially leading to an increased risk of disease transmission in
regions where these diseases were previously uncommon.
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11. cont.……
 Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies
 In light of the potential implications of climate change on black fly-borne diseases,
it is essential to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. This includes
monitoring changes in black fly populations and disease prevalence, implementing
vector control measures, and raising awareness among communities at risk.
4. black fly borne disease status in Ethiopia
 Black fly-borne diseases, also known as onchocerciasis or river blindness, are
caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted through the
bites of infected black flies of the genus Simulium.
• In Ethiopia, onchocerciasis has been a significant public health concern,
particularly in rural areas where the black fly vector is prevalent.
• The disease can lead to severe skin and eye complications, including blindness if
left untreated.
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12.  Current Status of Black Fly-Borne Diseases in Ethiopia
 Ethiopia has made substantial progress in controlling and eliminating
onchocerciasis.
• The country has implemented mass drug administration (MDA) programs using
ivermectin, a medication that effectively kills the parasite larvae circulating in the
bloodstream.
• These efforts have significantly reduced the prevalence of onchocerciasis in many
endemic regions of Ethiopia.
• The Ethiopian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international organizations
such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and non-governmental
organizations, has been actively involved in conducting epidemiological surveys,
distributing ivermectin, and implementing vector control measures to reduce black
fly populations.
• These interventions have contributed to the decline of onchocerciasis transmission
and its associated morbidity.
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13. Cont.…..
 Despite the progress made, challenges remain in fully eliminating onchocerciasis in
Ethiopia.
 Some remote and hard-to-reach areas still require intensified efforts to ensure
widespread distribution of ivermectin and sustained vector control.
 Additionally, ensuring community participation and compliance with MDA
programs is crucial for long-term success in preventing the resurgence of
onchocerciasis
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14. 5. black fly control method
 Black fly control methods can be categorized into several approaches, including:
 Biological control: This involves the use of natural predators or parasites to control
black fly populations.
 For example, the use of parasitic wasps such as Braconidae or Trichogramma spp.
to control black fly larvae has been shown to be effective.
 Chemical control: This involves the use of insecticides to kill black flies. However,
this approach can be harmful to non-target organisms and is not recommended as
a long-term solution.
 Physical control: This involves the use of physical barriers or modifications to the
environment to prevent black flies from breeding or surviving. For example,
removing vegetation or covering water sources can help to reduce black fly
populations.
 Integrated pest management (IPM): This approach involves the use of a
combination of the above methods to control black fly populations in a holistic and
sustainable way.
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15. Cont.…..
• It is important to note that the most effective black fly control method will
depend on the specific circumstances and location.
• In order to determine the best approach, it is recommended to consult
with a pest management professional or conduct further research
Reference
• Ethiopian Ministry of Health - The official website offers updates on public health
initiatives, including efforts to combat black fly-borne diseases.
• Black Fly Management: A Guide for Public Health Professionals” by the Centres for
Disease Control and Prevention (2019
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16. NO. NAME ID
1 FIKIR MOLLA 1402734
2 EKRAM ABDU 1402632
3 SITAGES ALEMAYEHU 1402388
4 TIGIST MELKAMU 1402531
5 DANIEL GELEBO 1401122
6 BIRHANU MOGES 1401031
7 BIRHANU ATNAFU 1401029
8 JEMBERU BELETE 1401460
9 DOBUOL DENG 1401167
10 SOLOMON ABERA 1402394
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GROUP THREE