Farm Animals

Sheep Blowfly Monitoring and Forecasting

Blowfly strike risk varies by region and season, and monitoring services enable timely preventive treatment that reduces suffering and reactive treatment costs.

Key Facts

The Nadis Blowfly Alert service provides weekly risk forecasts based on weather and fly populations
Lucilia sericata activity peaks when temperatures exceed 9-10 degrees Celsius consistently
Monitoring fly trap catches against forecasts improves preventive treatment timing
Delayed treatment of established strike cases leads to myiasis progression and systemic toxaemia
Integrating weather apps with veterinary advice improves farm-level strike prevention

Welfare Considerations

Blowfly strike causes some of the most acute suffering in sheep welfare. Weather-based monitoring enables evidence-timed prevention rather than reactive treatment after suffering occurs.

What You Can Do

Subscribe to regional blowfly alert services and act on high-risk forecasts
Establish a preventive fly strike treatment calendar based on your local risk period
Check sheep at least daily during high blowfly alert periods