Headfly Hydrotaea irritans causes severe head wounds on sheep particularly in late summer, requiring management interventions to prevent significant welfare harm.
Headfly attack causes significant welfare harm through constant irritation and the progressive wounds that develop from rubbing and additional fly activity. Effective management combines seasonal prophylactic treatment at the start of headfly season with monitoring for early signs of wound development. Identifying and treating affected sheep promptly prevents minor irritation from developing into severe welfare-compromising wounds.