Flystrike (blowfly strike) causes intense suffering in sheep and represents one of the most significant welfare challenges in sheep farming globally.
Blowfly strike causes some of the most severe suffering observed in sheep farming. Maggots consume living flesh, and the pain and distress of affected animals is profound. Detection requires daily inspection — affected sheep often isolate, stamp their feet, or repeatedly bite at the affected area. Treatment involves removing maggots, cleaning the wound, and applying insecticide. Prevention strategies include crutching (wool removal around the breech), chemical preventatives, and genetic selection for fly-resistant traits. The mulesing debate illustrates the difficult welfare trade-offs in sheep management — the procedure is painful but reduces a welfare problem that is often worse. Pain relief during mulesing is now required in some jurisdictions.