Biting flies cause significant welfare suffering and behaviour disruption in cattle during summer, requiring integrated management to reduce their impact.
Cattle experiencing high fly pressure show obvious welfare signs including skin twitching, tail swishing, foot stamping, and bunching. Reduced grazing time translates directly to reduced feed intake and body condition. Pinkeye from face fly transmission causes painful ocular ulceration and can cause permanent vision loss. The welfare cost of unmanaged fly pressure during summer is substantial. Integrated fly management combining animal-applied products, environmental management, and trapping reduces welfare costs while minimising environmental impact.