Biologist Dmitry Safonov has warned residents in Russia that certain species of flies, including blood-sucking stable flies, can carry serious bacterial infections.
Speaking to the state news agency RIA Novosti, Safonov explained that flies are capable of spreading dangerous diseases such as tularemia and anthrax, as well as staphylococcal and streptococcal infections and parasitic helminth eggs.
The biologist noted that autumn stable flies, which closely resemble common houseflies in appearance, do not carry viral infections. Nevertheless, these blood-feeding insects pose health risks through bacterial contamination and physical bites.
Risks from biting stable flies
The expert warning follows reports from late August that autumn stable flies had become increasingly active in Moscow. Unlike ordinary houseflies that feed primarily on decaying organic matter, stable flies feed directly on blood, and their bites can trigger severe allergic reactions in some people.
Stable flies, known scientifically as Stomoxys calcitrans, are widespread biting pests that target both humans and livestock during late summer and autumn. Because they closely resemble common houseflies, people often fail to notice the insects until receiving a sharp, painful bite from their specialized piercing mouthparts.
Flies transmit pathogens mechanically when microscopic bacteria and parasite eggs adhere to their legs, body hairs, or mouthparts after visiting contaminated waste. When the insects land on exposed human skin or food items, they can transfer these infectious agents.
Infections and disease transmission
Among the diseases highlighted by Safonov, tularemia is a bacterial infection that can cause high fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph glands. Anthrax is a severe illness caused by spore-forming bacteria, while staphylococcal and streptococcal strains frequently lead to skin infections and respiratory complications.
Helminth eggs carried by flies can lead to intestinal parasitic worm infections if ingested through contaminated food or unwashed surfaces. Moscow, the capital of Russia, regularly experiences seasonal insect surges during late summer weather, making household hygiene and food coverage key measures against vector-borne contamination.
