Sheep Dag and Flystrike Prevention: Welfare and Management

Blowfly strike is one of the most serious welfare emergencies in sheep, causing extreme suffering and death when not prevented and treated promptly.

Key Facts

Blowfly strike affects an estimated 80% of UK sheep flocks at some point
Lucilia sericata is the primary blowfly species responsible in Europe
Maggots from struck sheep can consume live flesh at a rate that causes death within days
Dag accumulation around the breech area is the primary predisposing factor
Selective breeding for reduced wrinkle and breech cover has reduced strike incidence
Preventive chemical treatments provide 8-16 weeks protection depending on product
Climate change is extending the blowfly season and risk period in many regions

Welfare Considerations

Blowfly strike causes intense suffering that escalates rapidly. Early-stage strike involves extreme irritation and pruritis as maggots feed on skin. Advanced strike with deep tissue invasion causes severe pain, tissue destruction and systemic toxaemia that overwhelms the animal. Affected sheep often separate from the flock, stamp their feet, bite at affected areas and show progressive deterioration. The suffering is preventable through good husbandry yet significant numbers of sheep are affected each year due to management failures or owner inexperience.

What You Can Do

Inspect all sheep at least twice weekly during blowfly season for signs of strike
Apply preventive treatments on schedule based on your regional risk assessment
Implement dagging and crutching programmes to remove dag accumulation
Breed toward low-wrinkle low-dag genetics where this fits your farming system
Respond immediately to any sheep showing behavioural signs of flystrike
Treat affected animals promptly with appropriate insecticide and wound care
Report severe welfare cases to animal welfare inspectors if treatment is refused