Iodine doesn’t work either, only killing 37%. One study showed alcohol kills only 42% of maggots and hydrogen peroxide just 33%. But these products won’t treat infections or kill off a maggot infestation. Some people attempt to treat maggot infestations themselves, using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on a wound. WHY DIY ‘TREATMENTS’ DON’T WORK & ARE INHUMANE The animal will also require antibiotics, pain relief, and possibly further supportive care. It’s vital to read product labels carefully and get a vet’s advice. But once an animal becomes infested with maggots, you’ll need a different product to kill them, and prevent the remaining eggs from hatching. Products used to prevent flystrike repel flies. A sheep can lose weight rapidly, even if the affected area is small (less than 15cm in diameter).Ĭheck between the toes of two-toed livestock as it’s another potential sore spot. ![]() However, also remember that during high-risk times, even self-shedding breeds can be struck by flies, so always monitor stock closely, whatever the breed.Īdult flies lay up to 200 eggs at a time on moist areas of a sheep’s body, close to the skin, and maggots multiply quickly, so always act fast. If you live in a humid region, choose sheep breeds that are less prone to flystrike, such as those with fine wool or self-shedding breeds. They’re not going to control a soaring fly population, but they’re a useful tool to alert you when flies are hatching from the soil, indicating the ideal time to shear and/or use a preventative treatment. Make sure you bury dead animals promptly to avoid feeding the fly population. Windy areas are a safer environment during high-risk weather such as warm, rainy and/or humid summer days. ![]() You may find there are certain humid ‘hotspots’ on your block, such as sheltered gullies. The dark side of the prettiest bird: Everything to know about raising peafowlīlowflies love heat, but their eggs also need moisture to hatch. Even if you apply an insecticide, you still need to monitor your stock daily for signs of flystrike. If you apply a preventative insecticide on the day of shearing, protection may not last very long, depending on the breed, wool type, and wool length. These products work best (for up to 12 weeks) when applied about four weeks after shearing. Carefully follow the instructions, which are usually to apply a dose along the back and rear end – don’t overdo it, as too much can be toxic to the sheep. Most people on blocks use products that come with a spray applicator. The appropriate use of chemical insecticides is a crucial part of preventing flystrike, but they’re often applied incorrectly. If you have a sick animal, monitor it closely and check its entire body regularly, including the belly, in the ‘armpits’, and the tail region. Stock suffering from a disease are often lethargic, which also makes them a prime target. Blood, pus, or weepy fluid is the ultimate open bar for a fly. Pain relief options are available through your vet, either an injection (at the clinic) or a liquid you can give to your lambs if you’re docking them at home.Īny animal that suffers a wound during the warmer months is at risk of flystrike. However, pain relief is highly recommended for animals of any age. Always keep cutting away wool until you create a clean border around an infestation. dark pigmented wool (or wool falling out) due to skin damage by the maggots.Īreas affected by maggots are often much bigger than they seem.lethargy, lying down more than usual, often away from others in the flock/herd.nibbling at their bodies (due to irritation).It’s difficult to spot an animal with flystrike from a distance, which is why it’s important to check stock up close, daily. In the South Island, the peak risk season is November to April in the more humid North Island, it’s from October to May. Hot weather can also significantly speed up the flies’ lifecycle, which means an animal can be seriously affected in just a few days. It’s primarily seen during warm, humid weather when flies are attracted by the scent of hot, damp animals. ![]() Maggots hatch and feast on the flesh, quickly causing large, deep wounds, extreme pain, infections, and in the worst cases, death. The most common culprits are blowfly species, which lay eggs on the warm flesh of the animal. It’s simply, grossly, an infestation of maggots. Flystrike is a nasty condition commonly seen in sheep and alpaca, but it can affect any animal, including rabbits, poultry, cats, and dogs.
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