Livestock

Blowfly Strike Management in Sheep: Welfare-First Approach

Preventing and treating blowfly strike to protect sheep from one of the most painful welfare conditions.

Key Facts

Blowfly strike is caused by Calliphora and Lucilia species laying eggs on soiled fleece
Maggots liquefy surrounding tissue — progressing rapidly without intervention
Prevention is highly effective — clipping, dagging, and insecticides reduce risk substantially
Early detection and treatment is a legal and welfare obligation

Welfare Considerations

Blowfly strike causes intense welfare suffering — maggots cause tissue destruction and toxaemia that can be fatal within days. Welfare-focused prevention includes regular inspection during fly season, dagging to remove soiled fleece, preventive insecticide treatment in high-risk animals, and breeding for fly resistance. Detection and prompt treatment are legal obligations — delay constitutes animal welfare law breach.

What You Can Do

Inspect sheep at least every 48 hours during fly season (April-October)
Clip and dag soiled fleece around the tail and breech before fly season begins
Treat struck animals immediately — remove maggots, apply wound treatment, and provide pain relief