Question

. List four strategies to control flystrike and describe how they reduce the risk of flystrike

Answer 1

Fly strike is a disease caused by ectoparasite mainly affecting sheeps. Fly strike is mainly caused by blowfly Lucilia sericata which is generally known as green bottle fly. It happens during climatic changes. Fly strike causes change in colouration , maggots formation and foul smell in wool of sheep.

Mechanical and chemical strategies can be undertaken to control flystrike.

Dagging of sheep could reduce breech strike.

The flock should be monitored in all seasons and daily inspection should be done.

Chemical agents such as narrow spectrum preventing agents can be used against blowfly and early used could very well control the flystrike. These agents are not effective once the infection has happened. Once the infection has occured proper treatment should be given.

In the case of flocks which are under high risk the below strategies should be implemented

1. Individual or mob shearing can be done this will control body strike.

2. Proper disposal of infected wool should be done and it helps in reducing the fly frequency,.

3. Scouring can be controlled by providing good nutrition, introducing worm control and by Pasteur management.

4. Provide the flock with good quality hay this helps to bind feacal matter and reduce flystrike.

5. Scouring can be controlled by providing clean drinking water.

6. The high risk flocks should be relocated to low risk paddocks such as windier paddocks, cleaner paddocks, paddocks in high altitude.