Blowfly strike is a painful and life-threatening condition in sheep caused by flies laying eggs in soiled or damaged wool, leading to maggot infestation of living tissue.
Blowfly strike causes acute severe suffering as maggots digest living tissue, releasing toxins that cause systemic illness and shock. Untreated strike is fatal and preceded by prolonged extreme pain. Early detection through regular inspection, particularly of dagged wool and wounds, is the critical intervention. Preventive insecticide application during high-risk periods and dagging (removing soiled wool) significantly reduce strike incidence. The welfare impact of blowfly strike is severe and the condition is largely preventable with adequate management.