Ectoparasite Control in Cattle: Welfare and Evidence
Flies, lice, mites, and ticks cause significant welfare compromise in cattle, affecting feeding behaviour, weight gain, and in the case of ticks, disease transmission.
Key Facts
Face flies transmit New Forest Eye (IBK) causing painful corneal ulceration
Autumn flies cause significant irritation affecting feed intake in housed cattle
Warble flies are now eradicated from UK but remain a risk from imported cattle
Ticks transmit Babesiosis and Lyme disease in UK upland cattle
Permethrin pour-ons and ear tags provide season-long protection in some systems
Welfare Considerations
Ectoparasite welfare impacts range from irritation reducing feed intake and causing weight loss to serious disease transmission. Face fly control significantly reduces pinkeye incidence and the associated welfare cost of corneal ulceration and treatment. Strategic ectoparasite control is welfare-positive and economically justified.
What You Can Do
Implement strategic fly control programme from May to October in cattle-keeping areas
Monitor for signs of face fly irritation and pinkeye in summer
Use repellent ear tags, pour-ons, or sprays appropriate to your system
Consult your vet on tick prevention in upland cattle or areas with high tick burden
Report any suspected warble fly to APHA immediately as it is a notifiable pest