Fly Strike in Sheep: A Preventable Welfare Emergency

Blowfly strike is a serious welfare emergency in sheep that causes rapid tissue destruction and can kill within days without intervention.

Key Facts

Blowfly strike affects an estimated 1.5-3% of UK sheep annually
Lucilia sericata and other blowfly species lay eggs on damp wool, particularly around the tail
Maggots hatch within hours and can strip skin from living sheep within days
Warning signs include fleece soiling, discoloration, and the sheep kicking and biting at affected areas
Prevention through dipping, pour-ons, and shearing reduces incidence significantly

Welfare Considerations

Fly strike causes progressive tissue destruction as maggots tunnel through living skin, releasing toxins that cause systemic illness. Affected sheep show signs of intense discomfort including constant movement, biting at affected areas, and eventually collapse. Death can occur within days without treatment. The welfare suffering during strike is severe. Prevention is entirely feasible through monitoring, appropriate preventative treatments, and management of predisposing factors. Delayed recognition by farmers and inadequate monitoring remain the primary causes of preventable welfare suffering.

What You Can Do

Check sheep for strike indicators at least twice daily during warm months
Ensure preventative treatments are applied before the fly season based on local conditions
Support welfare standards requiring minimum checking frequencies for sheep during fly season
Engage farmers in your network with evidence about fly strike prevention and monitoring