Survey on the Distribution and Abundance of Musca Domestica in Duhok City from October to December 2024

Anwar, Kawa Bassim; Omer, Loqman Taib

doi:10.29079/qjvms.2025.160567.1093

	Survey on the Distribution and Abundance of Musca Domestica in Duhok City from October to December 2024
Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 2, December 2025, Pages 237-243 PDF (595.34 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.29079/qjvms.2025.160567.1093
Authors
kawa bassim anwar^* ¹; Loqman Taib Omer²
¹Dept. of Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Iraq
²Dept. of Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Iraq.
Abstract
This study examined the distribution and prevalence of Musca domestica (houseflies) in several places throughout Duhok Province, concentrating on sites with significant organic waste, including slaughterhouses, meat markets, and fruit warehouses. Flies were collected using sticky fly catcher paper, net catchers (similar to tennis balls), and plastic containers from 18 sub-districts, including: Animal Slaughter House (Khanke), Baroshke live poultry market, Besere live poultry market, Nizarke live poultry market, Bahdinan live poultry market (Zrka area), Duhok live poultry market (Masek area), Nawroz live poultry market, Jiwan live poultry market, Besere Area - Village (east of Duhok City), permanent live animal market (Doulibe Village), meat market (Doulibe Village), Duhok - main meat markets, Souq Al-Asri meat markets, Duhok - zoo, Duhok - warehouse of fruits, Shahidan fruits market, Duhok - dam, and Hshkaro rivers (in the centre of Duhok City). Specimens were kept in 70% ethanol and identified morphologically with a single concave microscope. Descriptive data indicated a total of 382 Musca domestica specimens collected, with a mean count of 21.22 per site. High-risk locations, like Baroshke Live Poultry market (33 flies) and the meat market in Doulibe Village (31 flies), demonstrated the largest fly populations, presumably attributable to the accumulation of organic waste. Moderate-risk zones, such as Khanke Animal Slaughter House (26 flies) and Souq Al-Asri Meat Markets (26 flies), exhibited intermediate levels, and low-risk locations like Shahidan Fruits Market (9 flies) recorded the lowest counts. Statistical analysis employing one-way ANOVA revealed substantial disparities in fly numbers among sites (p = 0.003). The results underscore the need of focused pest management, enhanced sanitation, and public awareness initiatives to reduce fly populations and related health hazards. Recommendations encompass systematic cleaning protocols, appropriate trash management, and community education to diminish breeding habitats and successfully regulate Musca domestica populations.
Keywords
musca domestica; morphology; biodiversity; distribution

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