Sheep and Fly Strike Prevention Welfare

Preventing flystrike in sheep requires a balance between effective prevention and the welfare costs of preventive treatments themselves.

Key Facts

Flystrike kills tens of thousands of sheep annually in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK
Organophosphate pour-on treatments prevent flystrike but cause systemic toxicity and are restricted in some markets
Biological control using parasitic wasps that attack blowfly larvae is being researched as an alternative
Selective breeding for reduced breech wrinkle reduces flystrike susceptibility without surgical intervention
Regular monitoring during high-risk periods (warm, humid weather) enables early detection before strikes become fatal

Welfare Considerations

Flystrike prevention involves choosing between accepting some risk of this extremely painful condition and using preventive treatments that themselves have welfare costs. The most effective approach combines selective breeding to reduce structural susceptibility with targeted monitoring and treatment when needed, minimizing both flystrike incidence and unnecessary chemical exposure.

What You Can Do

Support Merino breeding programs selecting for reduced breech wrinkle as a long-term welfare solution
Advocate for research funding for biological flystrike control alternatives
Back certification schemes that require regular flock monitoring during high-risk seasons