Horse Fly Strike Prevention | Animal Welfare Hub

Key Facts

Blow fly strike involves flies laying eggs in wounds or soiled skin, with larvae causing tissue destruction
Botflies deposit eggs on horse legs which horses ingest during grooming, establishing gut larvae
Fly strike most commonly targets wounds, skin folds, and horses with poor mobility
Summer fly management requires integrated approaches including repellents, physical barriers, and wound management
Prompt wound treatment is critical - even small wounds can be fly-struck within hours in peak season
Rugs and fly sheets provide physical barriers but must be monitored for rub injuries

Welfare Considerations

Fly strike prevention is an acute welfare priority during summer months, as established myiasis causes rapidly escalating tissue destruction and severe pain that can be fatal if not detected early. The welfare obligation involves both prevention and monitoring - horses cannot protect themselves from strike and may be unable to alert owners to developing infestations until tissue damage is advanced. Daily inspection during peak fly season, prompt wound management, and appropriate physical and chemical fly control reduce strike risk substantially. Horse mobility and vision impairment increase vulnerability, requiring extra vigilance for elderly or compromised animals.

What You Can Do

Inspect all horses daily during peak fly season with particular attention to wounds and skin folds
Treat all wounds promptly with wound care products that include fly deterrent
Use appropriate fly repellent sprays on horses during highest fly pressure periods
Provide fly sheets and masks for horses with limited mobility or wound healing issues
Keep pasture areas clean to reduce fly breeding site availability
Contact a vet immediately if fly strike is discovered - treatment within hours improves outcomes