FLIES CAUSE DISCOMFORT IN PORTO SANTO AND NEW BIRDS SURPRISE

The presence of a species of fly, large and black, in addition to blowflies, has caused some discomfort in Porto Santo. There are people who say they came from North Africa, and there are those who link the flies with the recent deaths of rabbits affected by viral hemorrhagic disease.

Contacted by the JM, the Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation says that in none of the collections made through the traps of Forest Phytosanity that are distributed in the various points of the island was identified by the entomology department of the regional agricultural laboratory, the presence of flies with those characteristics (black and large).

“In order to better assess this presence, it will be necessary to collect specimens or at least photograph the insects in question. Without these procedures, it will be difficult to say, precisely, that there are flies on the island that are different from the usual ones”, underlines the IFCN.

As for the relationship between flies and dead rabbits, the same entity recognizes that “in a broad sense the experience shows that, if there is a putrefying body, the probability of having a cluster of flies in the vicinity of that body will be great, regardless of the species in question”.

“In the case of rabbits, affected by viral hemorrhagic disease, whenever bodies have been found, IFCN, in collaboration with the local population, has been actively collecting dead animals, burying them and disinfecting these places with quicklime. “

As for migrations of other animal species, namely birds, the IFCN confirms that “within the scope of its powers of inspection, monitoring and prospecting in the geographic area of ​​that island, during the daily rounds it has verified this situation and several unusual birds are seen or now never seen. “

“The community of ornithologists in Porto Santo is also aware of the situation”, concludes the IFCN.

From Jornal Madeira