Horse Flies: Overview and Health Implications

Tabanid flies commonly known as, horse flies, are part of the suborder Brachycera, range from 10 to 25 mm in size, with clear or smoky wings, while deer flies are smaller (around 8 mm) and often have yellow or black bodies with patterned wings, are significant biting pests for both livestock and humans. The adult females are hematophagous, feeding on the blood of domestic and wild animals, and occasionally humans. This feeding behavior can facilitate the transmission of various pathogens, including protozoa, bacteria, and viruses.