Farm Animals

Sheep Fly Strike Prevention Summer Management

Blowfly strike causes severe welfare impacts in sheep, particularly in warm, wet conditions. Proactive prevention is far preferable to treating established cases.

Key Facts

UK sheep blowfly strike costs the industry GBP 2.2 million annually in treatment and losses
Lucilia sericata is the primary blowfly species responsible in the UK
Dagginess (faecal soiling of the fleece) is the primary risk factor
Insect growth regulators and organophosphate dips provide temporary protection
Risk period extends from April to October in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Fly strike cases, where maggots feed on live flesh, cause extreme suffering. Affected sheep may be undetected for days, by which time extensive tissue destruction has occurred. Prevention through dagginess management, timely shearing, and appropriate preventive treatments is far more humane than treating established strike.

What You Can Do

Check sheep daily during the fly season for signs of strike
Use preventive products appropriate to the risk period and flock management system
Shear sheep in spring to remove wool that harbours dagginess