Flacherie

Flacherie is a disease that primarily affects silkworms. It is a highly contagious and fatal disease that can cause significant losses in sericulture, the production of silk from silkworms.

Causes

Flacherie is caused by a variety of bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Streptococcus faecalis. These bacteria are often present in the gut of healthy silkworms, but can cause disease when the silkworm is stressed or weakened.

Symptoms

The symptoms of flacherie can vary depending on the specific strain of bacteria causing the disease. However, common symptoms include loss of appetite, slow growth, and a flaccid body. In severe cases, the silkworm may die within a few hours of showing symptoms.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of flacherie involves maintaining clean and hygienic conditions in the sericulture farm. This includes regular cleaning of the rearing house and equipment, as well as careful handling of the silkworms to avoid stress and injury.

Control of flacherie is primarily through the use of antibiotics. However, the use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, so it is important to use them judiciously.

Impact on Sericulture

Flacherie can have a significant impact on sericulture, as it can lead to high mortality rates among silkworms. This can result in a significant reduction in the production of silk, which can have economic implications for those involved in the silk industry.