Blowfly strike causes extreme suffering in affected sheep and is a major welfare challenge requiring vigilant monitoring and preventive management during warm weather months.
Fly strike is among the most acutely distressing conditions that can affect sheep. The tissue destruction caused by maggot infestation is rapid, painful and disfiguring. Sheep suffering from fly strike show marked distress behaviours including stamping, biting at the affected area and separation from the flock. Early detection and treatment is the welfare imperative, but the best welfare outcome is prevention. Integrating insecticide treatment, wool management and vigilant inspection as a coordinated seasonal protocol protects sheep from preventable suffering. The welfare and economic case for prevention is compelling — treatment of advanced strike cases is difficult, costly and may not prevent mortality.