Farm Animals

Cattle Fly Strike Prevention Summer

While fly strike is more commonly associated with sheep, cattle also suffer from summer fly problems causing significant welfare impacts.

Key Facts

Horn flies can cause blood loss and welfare compromise in beef cattle
Face flies transmit infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis causing painful eye disease
Summer mastitis in dry dairy cows is spread by flies causing severe welfare impacts
Fly-avoidance behaviour including bunching and tail-swishing increases stress and reduces feeding
Insecticide ear tags, pour-ons, and fly traps are control options

Welfare Considerations

Cattle with heavy fly burdens are in a state of chronic irritation that reduces rest, feeding, and normal behaviour. The welfare cost of fly burden is often underestimated. Effective fly control programmes significantly improve cattle comfort during summer months and reduce disease transmission.

What You Can Do

Implement fly control programmes appropriate to your cattle enterprise
Monitor cattle behaviour as an indicator of fly burden intensity
Use fly control methods that reduce reliance on insecticides where possible