Blowfly strike is one of the most painful conditions affecting sheep. Fly larvae feeding on living tissue cause intense suffering that is preventable with diligent management.
Blowfly strike causes excruciating suffering — tissue destruction by living larvae is intensely painful, causing affected sheep to bite at themselves and go into shock. The condition progresses rapidly; a sheep showing early signs may be severely affected or dead within 24-48 hours if untreated. Early detection is critical but challenging in large flocks. Treatment involves removing larvae, cleaning the wound, and pain management. Prevention through regular checking, breech crutching, and appropriate insecticide application is far preferable to treatment. Mulesing — surgical removal of breech skin folds — prevents strike in Merino breeds but causes significant acute pain requiring analgesic use.