Blowfly strike is a painful and potentially fatal condition in sheep, caused by flies laying eggs in soiled or damaged wool. Effective prevention through dagging, chemical control, and early detection is essential.
Blowfly strike causes intense suffering, with maggots releasing toxins that liquefy and destroy living tissue. Affected sheep deteriorate rapidly and can die within days without treatment. Prevention through timely dagging, appropriate use of prophylactic insecticides, and daily observation is far superior to treating established strikes.