Farm Animals

Sheep Flystrike Prevention: Dagging and Chemical Controls

Blowfly strike causes severe suffering in sheep worldwide and is preventable through targeted management strategies.

Key Facts

Lucilia sericata causes most blowfly strike in UK sheep
Strike can kill a sheep within 3-4 days if undetected
Dagging (removing soiled wool) is the most important prevention measure
Insecticide preventives require careful timing relative to fly season onset

Welfare Considerations

Flystrike causes intense suffering - affected sheep are eaten alive by maggots. Daily flock inspection during the blowfly season, combined with dagging, reduces strike rates dramatically. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential.

What You Can Do

Inspect sheep daily for flystrike signs during the blowfly season (May-October)
Dag and crutch sheep before fly season to remove strike risk
Use preventive insecticide treatments timed to your local fly season