Sheep Flystrike Prevention and Treatment

Flystrike — blowfly larvae feeding on living sheep tissue — causes extreme suffering and death, requiring proactive prevention rather than reactive treatment.

Key Facts

Blowfly strike kills tens of thousands of sheep in the UK and Australia each year
Larvae can consume several centimeters of living tissue within 24 hours
Wounds, wet fleece, and dag accumulation around the tail attract egg-laying flies
Prevention using insecticides and shearing is effective but requires timing
Merino sheep are more susceptible due to wrinkled skin that retains moisture

Welfare Considerations

Flystrike causes some of the most extreme suffering observed in domestic livestock. Sheep with established strike are in severe pain, showing agitation, separation from the flock, and in advanced cases, irreversible tissue destruction. The insidious onset means animals can go undetected for days. Prevention through regular inspection, strategic shearing, and targeted insecticide application eliminates most cases. When strike is found, immediate treatment including removing larvae and treating wounds is essential.

What You Can Do

Support sheep welfare standards requiring regular inspection for flystrike
Advocate for management practices including strategic shearing to reduce risk
Learn to recognize early signs of flystrike if you keep or observe sheep
Support veterinary research into fly resistance breeding programs