The radioisotope 32P was used in insect host contamination models to determine potential pathways for pathogenic agents transmitted by horn flies (Haematobia irritans) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans). In both species, transfer of 32P to a new food source was seen for the 1st and 2nd feedings after feeding initially on tagged food sources. Transfer of tagged feces was observed after 54 min. in the stable fly and 75 min. in the horn fly. Resecretion of tagged saliva required 1 hr, 57 min. for horn flies and 6 hr for stable flies. In 1 case, stable fly saliva was tagged after 3 hr and 21 min. Regurgitative feeding was demonstrated in the stable fly but not in horn flies. Regurgitated fluids included serum and red blood cells, as well as 32P-tagged matter.
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Butler et al. (1977) studied this question.