Blowfly strike causes severe welfare harm in sheep; prevention through management and approved products is far preferable to treatment of established infestations.
Blowfly strike causes acute and severe suffering. Maggots consume living tissue and release toxins causing systemic illness. Affected sheep show distress behaviours including scratching, biting affected areas and isolation. The condition progresses rapidly and death from toxaemia is possible without prompt treatment. Prevention through management (dagging, appropriate wool length) and licensed products is highly effective and welfare-positive. Delayed treatment of spotted strike causes preventable suffering. Regular sheep inspection during the fly season enables early detection and treatment.