Farm Animals

Sheep Flystrike Prevention and Treatment

Blowfly strike is a painful and potentially fatal condition in sheep caused by fly larvae feeding on living tissue, requiring urgent treatment and preventive management.

Key Facts

Flystrike is caused by blowflies, primarily Lucilia sericata in the UK, laying eggs in soiled or damaged fleece
Maggots hatch within hours and begin feeding on the sheep within 24 hours of egg laying
Untreated flystrike can be fatal within days due to toxin absorption and tissue destruction
The peak season runs from April to October in temperate climates
Tail docking and chemical preventives are used controversially to reduce risk

Welfare Considerations

Flystrike causes intense pain as larvae feed on living tissue. Affected sheep become distressed, stamp their feet, bite at affected areas, and eventually become recumbent as toxaemia develops. Regular checking of sheep during the flystrike season is essential, as early detection and treatment significantly improve welfare outcomes and survival. The controversy around mulesing in Australia highlights the tension between preventive surgery and fly prevention.

What You Can Do

Check sheep daily during flystrike season particularly around the breech and tail
Use licensed preventive treatments as recommended by your vet or animal health advisor
Treat any cases immediately - remove maggots manually and apply veterinary-approved products
Ensure sheep are not carrying excess dirty wool around the breech area
Consider genetics by selecting breeds with reduced flystrike susceptibility