Frequently asked questions

Flystrike can occur in a matter of hours. Because the toxins released into the bloodstream by the maggots can cause the animal to go into toxic shock, death can result very quickly if flystrike is not spotted and treated rapidly.

Prevention is better than cure!

Flystrike can occur at any time of the year, but in the UK animals are particularly at risk between April and October when the weather is warmer.  Animals at risk of flystrike should be inspected twice a day during this period.  Their body should be checked all over, especially around the rear end where the fur/wool might become contaminated with droppings and urine.

Owners of farm animals/stock-keepers should discuss with their vet the most appropriate ways of reducing the risk of flystrike before the high-risk period starts. In the UK, animals are particularly at risk between April and October when the weather is warmer, although it can occur at any time of the year.  Prevention methods include: 

• Frequent and thorough inspection of all the animals.
• Shearing the animals/‘crutching’ to remove the wool/long hair around their rear ends.
• Plunge dipping of sheep in accordance with appropriate human and animal health and safely guidelines and environmental protection guidelines.
• Use of appropriate spray or ‘pour-on’ treatments.
• Taking steps to reduce the number of flies in the environment, for example, by removing faeces and soiled bedding quickly.
• Ensuring that animals are healthy and not suffering from other conditions that might attract flies.  For example, footrot, open wounds, or internal parasitic infections that cause diarrhoea.