Blowfly strike is one of the most painful and distressing conditions in sheep welfare, causing tissue destruction and death if untreated; prevention through management and targeted treatment is a key welfare priority.
The suffering caused by blowfly strike is acute and escalating — as larvae burrow deeper, tissue destruction compounds and systemic toxaemia develops. Early detection and treatment are essential, but the distributed nature of sheep management makes daily inspection difficult. Preventive approaches including appropriate fleece management, targeted preventive products, and breeding for fly resistance traits offer the most sustainable welfare improvement.