Early Preventative Measures for Blowfly needed as Danger Increases

Alerts about the potential of blowfly strikes are currently being issued to sheep producers in the south, midlands, and east of the United Kingdom, cautioning them to employ precautionary action.

In order to safeguard the sheep, farmers in neighbouring regions are also being advised to exercise caution and provide a prophylactic medication.

As per the AHDB, blowfly attack is estimated to impact more than 80% of British farms and can cost the national sheep industry up to £2.1 million annually.

The actual financial effect of blowfly strikes is sometimes underestimated; expenses of £184 for breeding ewes and £209 for lambs are cited.

As 94% of farmers claim to having been taken off guard by blowfly attacks, Matthew Colston, ruminant expert at animal medicine expert Elanco warns it may happen extremely rapidly.

Proactive prophylactic therapy has been demonstrated to be the cheapest way to mitigate the health and financial concerns to flocks posed by blowfly strike, according to him.

“We recommend protecting your flock by applying an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) product, such as those in the CLiK range,” According to Matthew.