Farm Animals

Cattle Fly Control Summer Welfare

Fly pressure causes significant welfare problems for cattle through feeding wounds, irritation, disease transmission, and behavioural disruption affecting welfare and productivity.

Key Facts

Horn flies can be present at densities of thousands per animal causing severe irritation
Cattle bunching behaviour in fly season reduces grazing time and increases heat stress
Stable flies bite causing pain and stress responses in dairy cattle at milking
Insecticide ear tags, pour-ons, and fly traps form parts of integrated fly control
Face fly transmitted pink eye (IBK) causes painful corneal ulceration in affected cattle

Welfare Considerations

Fly burden causes constant irritation and pain that significantly reduces cattle welfare. Proactive fly control prevents both direct suffering and disease transmission.

What You Can Do

Implement fly control before peak season rather than reactively
Use integrated fly management combining multiple methods for best effect
Ensure adequate shade access in summer to reduce fly-bunching heat stress
Monitor for pink eye during high fly pressure periods and treat early