Blowfly strike is an excruciatingly painful condition where fly larvae feed on living sheep tissue, causing rapid deterioration and death without urgent treatment.
Blowfly strike causes some of the most acute suffering experienced by farm animals. The sensation of larvae feeding on living tissue is deeply distressing, and the rapid systemic toxicity compounds the pain. Early detection is critical - animals can be severely affected within 24-48 hours of strike, meaning daily checks during high-risk periods are essential. Unfortunately, the rapid onset means shepherds who check flocks infrequently may find animals in desperate condition. Prevention through crutching, judicious use of insecticide treatments and breeding for resistance traits (tight-woolled, clean-breech breeds) significantly reduces incidence. The treatment of severely struck animals is both a welfare urgency and a significant challenge.