KOLKATA RESEARCH STUDY

23 blood-sucking fly species in Andamans pose threat of disease

Published in the international journal ‘Parasites and Vectors', the study is the first comprehensive survey of the mosquito-like insects in the region. Locally known as "Bhusi flies", they are notorious for feeding on the blood of livestock — sheep, goats, cattle — and wild animals like deer. Five of these species are capable of transmitting Blue Tongue Disease, a potentially fatal viral condition for livestock.