SCOPS warns of continued blowfly risk for sheep
Preventative products may be nearing the end of their stated protection period.
The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) has urged flock owners to remain vigilant about the risk of blowfly strike to their animals.
It says that above-average temperatures in September and October, alongside damper conditions, has meant that blowflies have remained active.
SCOPS is now suggesting that farmers review their existing fly control plans, especially where sheep were treated earlier in the summer.
They note that some preventative products may be nearing the end of their stated protection period. Farmers are advised to check treatment dates, product persistence and at-risk groups to help identify where monitoring or action might be needed.
Blowfly strike develops quickly in conditions where a sheep’s fleece becomes wet and/or dirty. Sheep that are scouring, have daggy backends, wounds, footrot or have reduced mobility are at higher risk and should be prioritised for checks.
SCOPS recommends that farmers continue to use faecal egg counts, as well as monitoring lamb growth rates and ewe body condition. These can help identify when blowfly treatment might be needed, especially if lambs are not performing as expected despite adequate nutrition.
Farmers should also monitor for clinical signs.
Nerys Wright, technical advisor for SCOPS, says: “Several farmers have reported active blowfly strike within their flocks this week. It is easy to assume the risk is over once we move into autumn, but the combination of recent rain and temperatures that are still relatively mild for the time of year means blowflies remain a real threat in many areas.
“The key message is to remain vigilant. If a product applied earlier in the season is coming towards the end of its protection period, it’s worth checking the label and your treatment records, and keeping a close eye on higher-risk sheep.”
Olly Matthews, deputy chair of SCOPS, added: “From a practical farming perspective, this is the time of year when it’s tempting to think blowfly season is winding down, but sheep and flies do not read the calendar. If conditions suit, strike can still occur.
“The same weather pattern is also continuing the now familiar extension of the traditional gut worms season. Autumn worm risk is not new, but current conditions are a timely reminder that the challenge can persist later into the year.”
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