How to spot flystrike

Blow flies are attracted by smell, especially wet fleece, faeces and urine (daggy sheep), bacterial or fungal infections, or foot-rot.

Blow flies are attracted by smell, especially wet fleece, faeces and urine (daggy sheep), bacterial or fungal infections, or foot-rot.

Flystrike is affecting sheep around the Horowhenua.

This causes significant stress leading to body weight and wool loss. Severely struck sheep may suffer septicaemia (blood poisoning) and dehydration.

These sheep can die if immediate action is not taken. Blowflies thrive in conditions which are warm, humid and sheltered peaking from summer to autumn.

Flies are attracted by smell, especially wet fleece, faeces and urine (daggy sheep), bacterial or fungal infections, or foot-rot. In sheep, flies commonly strike the crutch, back, legs and pizzle in males.

Signs of flystrike:
• Behavioural signs (restless, shade-seeking, tail twitching, nibbling affected area, stamping feet).
• Blackened fleece and/or loss of wool in patches.
• Sores on skin containing maggots or eggs.
Prevent flystrike:
• Crutching sheep and tailing lambs, removing dags and keeping wool short.
• Keep drenching up to date to prevent scouring.
• Get a vet to check sores, wounds and foot problems.
• Remove dead animals which may attract flies.
• Fly preventative product (Zapp encore or Cyrex saturation ). Treatment options can be discussed with your local vet.