| Typhaea stercorea | |
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| Species: | T. stercorea |
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| Typhaea stercorea | |
Typhaea stercorea is a cosmopolitan species of beetle of the family Mycetophagidae, known by the common name hairy fungus beetle.
Adult T. stercorea are 2.2–3.0 mm long, oval, brown, flattened, and have hairy elytra with parallel lines of fine hairs. [1] Antennae are 3 segmented and the head is readily visible from above, distinguishing the hairy fungus beetle from some similar species. [1] At 25 °C and 80-90 RH, development from egg to adult takes 21 to 33 days. [1] The larvae are able to move easily and the adults can run fast and fly well. [1] It is a generalist feeder associated with moldy or damp conditions. Its presence in stored grain indicates poor storage conditions. It is a minor pest of freshly harvested or slightly damp grain. [1] Damage is not distinctive and is caused by both adult and larval feeding. [2] Stored products consumed include: moldy cereals, tobacco, peanuts, and hay. The species also eats fungi that grow on damp food. [3] This species has been found in grain storages dating back to the Iron Age. [4]
The species can be found on ripening hay and grain crops before harvest in temperate and tropical areas. [1]
It was discovered in 1994 that this species can carry Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis. The species carried the bacterium into a Danish broiler house that infected 39,900 newly hatched chicks. The chicks were infected by eating the beetles. [5] A study of species of beetles in broiler houses, including this species, showed that the beetles that are in broiler houses are likely to carry salmonella. The research also showed that the species can carry Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter spp. [6]
Typhoid fever, also known simply as typhoid, is a disease caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi bacteria, also called Salmonella typhi. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and usually begin six to 30 days after exposure. Often there is a gradual onset of a high fever over several days. This is commonly accompanied by weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, headaches, and mild vomiting. Some people develop a skin rash with rose colored spots. In severe cases, people may experience confusion. Without treatment, symptoms may last weeks or months. Diarrhea may be severe, but is uncommon. Other people may carry it without being affected, but are still contagious. Typhoid fever is a type of enteric fever, along with paratyphoid fever. Salmonella enterica Typhi is believed to infect and replicate only within humans.
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Raw meat generally refers to any type of uncooked muscle tissue of an animal used for food. In the meat production industry, the term ‘meat’ refers specifically to mammalian flesh, while the words ‘poultry’ and ‘seafood’ are used to differentiate between the tissue of birds and aquatic creatures.
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