Blowfly strike is a painful and potentially fatal condition affecting millions of sheep annually. Prevention through shearing, chemical protection and breed selection is critical for welfare.
Flystrike is one of the most painful conditions affecting UK livestock. Affected sheep experience maggot-induced tissue destruction, toxaemia and extreme distress. Daily inspection during the risk season, combined with preventive treatment of high-risk sheep, significantly reduces the welfare burden. Breed selection for plain breeches and reduced dag accumulation offers a long-term genetic solution.