Farm Animals

Cattle Fly Control and Welfare

Fly infestation causes significant welfare problems for cattle through pain, blood loss and disease transmission, and integrated fly control reduces suffering.

Key Facts

Face flies transmit New Forest eye (infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis) causing corneal ulceration and blindness
Horn flies cause blood loss of up to 2 ml per day per fly, leading to anaemia and reduced growth
Pyrethroid pour-on treatments provide 4-8 weeks protection against flies
Physical barriers including ear tags impregnated with insecticide are effective for face flies
Dung management and pasture hygiene reduce fly breeding sites on farms

Welfare Considerations

Fly-related welfare impacts are significant, widespread and often underappreciated. Integrated fly control reduces disease transmission and blood loss suffering in cattle during the summer months.

What You Can Do

Implement fly control programmes starting before peak fly season in spring
Monitor cattle regularly for eye disease during fly season and treat promptly
Use a combination of physical and chemical control methods for most effective fly management