Blowfly warning for region’s sheep farmers

Sheep farmers are being advised to apply insect growth regulator to flocks amid an increased risk of blowfly strike.

The free Blowfly Watch service, run in partnership with NADIS, uses a combination of factors – including soil temperature and humidity – raised its blowfly strike risk warning last month.

Matt Colston, ruminant technical consultant at Elanco, says producers should consider early preventative action when the service issues risk alerts in your area. Farmers can protect flocks by applying an insect growth regulator, he adds

“Damage happens fast – it can take as little as 36 hours from an egg being laid on a sheep to maggots eating its flesh – so prevention is better than waiting to see a struck lamb before treating the whole flock.”

Mr Colston says the CLiK range of growth protectors provides options for all types of sheep, whatever the management system – with protection ranging from eight to 19 weeks, and meat withdrawal periods ranging from seven to 40 days.

Mr Colston’s top tips for applying a preventative treatment include using an appropriate applicator gun with a fan spray nozzle. This should be carefully calibrate it before use, he says.

The correct dose should be applied to a clean fleece, with any dirty animals clipped or dagged before application. The product should be applied in a band about 10cm wide, holding the gun about 45cm from the sheep.

Mr Colston says the efficacy of preventative treatment relies on the product being applied to clean sheep – aided by effective worm control, as well as actions such as dagging and timely shearing.

“Worm management plays a valuable role in preventing strike, because scouring, due to worms, can cause dirty backends and encourage flies. Regular faecal egg counting will help identify worm burdens early and prompt treatment before lambs scour.”