Blowfly is the main external parasite traditionally affecting sheep in the late spring and summer months. Changing weather patterns have resulted in an increasingly unpredictable and lengthening season. Blowflies are attracted to lay their eggs on areas of soiling or damage (wounds) on the animal, or on carcasses. Therefore, the key to blowfly control is to minimise breeding opportunities by: Managing deadstock: remove deadstock as quickly as possible, and keep deadstock covered while waiting for collection. Managing flock health: minimise faecal soiling through good worm control and fleece management, and through treating wounds, including foot infections. Using a preventative treatment early in the season: prevent established blowfly strike in the flock to protect the sheep and to prevent those first waves of flies from breeding. Doing this will massively reduce blowfly numbers, and strike risk, later in the season.
