Blowfly strike — infestation of living sheep with fly larvae — is an acutely painful and rapidly fatal condition preventable through dags management, insecticide treatment, and selective breeding for reduced susceptibility in high-risk periods.
Blowfly strike causes acute and severe suffering that progresses rapidly from initial irritation to systemic toxaemia and death. The behavioural signs — sheep separating from the flock, repeatedly looking at their flanks, and restless stamping — indicate significant pain before visible strike damage is apparent. Daily observation during high-risk warm, humid periods is essential for early detection. Treatment requires clipping the struck area, physical removal of larvae, and topical insecticide application; systemic antibiotics may be needed for severe cases. Prevention through regular crutching, targeted insecticide application, and worm management to reduce dagging represents one of the most important welfare management priorities in sheep farming, particularly in the warmer months.