Flies cause significant welfare harm to livestock through biting, irritation, and disease transmission, while chemical control raises concerns about resistance development and environmental impact.
Fly welfare problems on farms are often underestimated. Constant biting fly irritation causes pain, distress, and behaviour disruption - cattle spending more time fly-avoidance behaviours have less time for feeding, reducing production and wellbeing simultaneously. Blowfly strike in sheep causes intense suffering and rapid deterioration if not treated promptly. Prevention through hygiene management is the most sustainable approach; prompt recognition and treatment of strike is essential when prevention fails. Regular monitoring during fly season is a basic welfare duty.