Fly traps
You will notice that a fly trap has been sent to you along with your sampling kits. Flies (bush flies and blow flies) are known vectors of RHDV. We know that there is enough virus in one fly spot to infect and kill a rabbit. To help us understand which RHDVs are already circulating in your area and whether the flies actually pick up RHDV1 K5, we would appreciate it if you could collect flies over the course of the release.
If you are willing to collect flies for us, then we would ask you to collect flies for three days in a row at the following times:
Collection 1: sometime in the week starting February 20th, before you start undertaking the virus release
Collection 2: begin trapping flies 4 days after you release RHDV1 K5 (approximately sometime in the week of March 7th)
Collection 3: sometime in the week starting March 20th
We have also provided you with 9 plastic sample bags for the collection and freezing of your fly samples. Each days sample needs to go into its own bag. The bags have been labelled for you. Please ensure you put the flies into the correct bag.
To avoid contamination between samples it is advisable to dip the mesh into a solution of household bleach and water (as per your products instructions), once you have removed the flies, and allow the mesh to dry overnight ready for setting the trap the next morning. Placing cling wrap over the container with the attractant will keep it fresh for the next day’s use.
When collecting flies, ensure you wash your hands both before and after you empty the trap to avoid contaminating samples.
Over the page you will find instructions on how to set the fly traps and how to collect the flies from the traps.
Thank you for your participation in the RHDV1 K5 release program.
The RHD Boost Team.
How to set the fly trap
Step 1: Your trap will be assembled when you receive it. To set it up, first remove the mesh from the container by unscrewing the lid and removing the rubber band from around the rim.
Step 2: Pour the entire contents of one sachet into the bottom of the container. Fill with 1/2 a cup of water. One sachet will last for each three day collection period. If necessary it can be topped up with water. You have been provided with three sachets for the three collection periods.
Step 3: Place the mesh and the funnel back into the container and secure it with the rubber band. The mesh should not touch the liquid. Screw on the lid.
Step 4: Hang the trap in a sunny location. As the mixture warms up it will attract flies. You may not catch many flies in the first day or so – the mixture becomes smellier as time goes on. If you have no or very few flies (< 10) in the first day do not empty your trap. Leave it in place with whatever flies are in there and begin Day 1 from the next day.
How to collect flies from your trap
Step 1: There are two ways to empty the fly trap.
1a. The first is to place the entire trap into the fridge or freezer. Once the flies have stopped moving (5-10 minutes), remove the lid and the funnel. Remove the rubber band and lift out the mesh.
1b. If you cannot fit or do not wish to put the entire trap into your fridge or freezer follow these instructions. Remove the lid ensuring the funnel stays in the container. Place your hand over the top of the container. Fold the edges of the mesh in sealing the trap and secure with the rubber band (some flies may escape, particularly if the trap is full – this is OK). Place the mesh into the fridge or freezer until the flies stop moving (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Pour the flies into the provided plastic bag. Put the plastic bag into the freezer. You should not have to touch the flies during this process. Do not remove the bags from the freezer until you are ready to send all of your samples back.
Step 3: Dip the mesh into a mixture of household bleach and water (as per your products instructions) and let dry overnight. Cover the attractant with cling wrap to keep insects out and ready for use the next day.