Farm Animal Welfare

Fly Strike in Sheep and Blow Fly Management

Fly strike causes severe welfare impacts in sheep through tissue destruction and toxaemia, requiring integrated prevention and early detection.

Key Facts

Blow fly strike is caused by Lucilia sericata and other species laying eggs in moist fleece
Strike commonly occurs around the breech, tail and wounds in warm humid weather
Larvae can destroy extensive tissue within 24-48 hours causing systemic toxaemia
Prevention includes daggingshearing, treating wounds and using chemical preventatives
Insecticide resistance is developing in blow fly populations in some regions

Welfare Considerations

Blow fly strike causes intense suffering from tissue destruction and toxaemia. Early detection is critical as deterioration is rapid. Integrated prevention combining farm hygiene, targeted insecticide use and flock monitoring reduces incidence and severity.

What You Can Do

Support certified sheep farms with documented fly strike prevention protocols
Advocate for mandatory fly strike management training for shepherds
Choose wool and sheep products from farms demonstrating active welfare management