The McDermott Livestock Entomology Lab at the University of Arkansas
In the United States and across the globe, livestock and poultry are affected by numerous arthropod pests and vector-borne diseases that reduce productivity, impact animal welfare, and cause significant animal mortality. In the McDermott Lab, we are interested in understanding the ecology of pest and vector species in order to develop novel control tools for producers.
Animal Agriculture in Arkansas
Cattle
As of 2016, there were approximately 900,000 head of cattle in Arkansas. Beef cattle are the 5th largest agricultural commodity in the state, with a value of $600 million/year.
Pests and vector-borne diseases affecting cattle include horn flies, stable flies, ticks, biting midges, bluetongue virus, theileriosis, and anaplasmosis.
Poultry
Poultry production, particularly of broilers, is the number one agricultural commodity in the state, and Arkansas leads the nation in poultry production.
Pests affecting poultry include mites, lice, bed bugs, and litter beetles.
Wildlife
While not an agricultural commodity, wildlife contribute to Arkansas’ economy via the hunting and outdoorism industries, which represent 2.3% of the state GDP.
Wildlife, particularly deer and feral hogs, can serve as reservoir hosts of livestock and human pathogens, like epizootic hemorrhagic disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever