Elanco issues blowfly warning following first case reports

Elanco Animal Health is reminding vets and farmers to proactively take steps to protect sheep against the threat of blowfly strike.

Two new cases have been reported in West Sussex, the first of the current season, prompting Elanco to advise those in charge of caring for flocks to use products that prevent against blowfly strike, rather than waiting for animals to be affected.

A recent survey indicated that 88 percent of farmers believe it is the most widespread ectoparasite affecting sheep in the UK, with 94 percent of sheep farmers having been caught out by the parasite in the past.

Blowfly can infest the skin of sheep and cause serious health problems, but the use of preventative products with full fleece protection can greatly reduce the risk, as killing flies from the first wave of insects reduces the total number of flies for the rest of the season.

The Met Office believes this winter may have been the warmest on record, prompting fears these conditions will result in a more abundant blowfly population.

Fiona Anderson, technical consultant manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: "Waiting for clear signs of the blowfly season before acting is a gamble. Farmers are extremely busy and blowfly strike can establish very quickly, so it would be very easy to miss an affected sheep."