Blowfly will strike hard if left uncontrolled, sheep farmers warned
Preventative action must be taken against blowfly strike, otherwise flock welfare and profitability could suffer severely. That was the warning from Veterinary Advisor Simon Harris MRCVS of Novartis Animal Health (NAH) at the NSA North Sheep Event on Wednesday, where sheep farmers gathered to pick up advice from industry experts.
While the health and welfare implications of blowfly strike are well known, lost production due to the inappetence of affected animals also has major economic significance. "Prevention is the key to blowfly control," Mr Harris emphasised.
"Proactive, early treatment this summer will protect your lamb crop from the risk of blowfly strike, improve overall productivity and be more cost effective.
"Efficient use of time is important to manage labour costs, as there are now fewer farmers looking after larger numbers of sheep," Mr Harris continued.
"More than ever before prevention is better than cure, because it is far quicker and easier than treating existing strike cases.
"Due to the varying onset of the fly season, long term prevention is the best strategy. Insect growth regulators (IgRs), such as CLiK™, stop fly larvae developing and offer the longest period of protection." Visitors at the event also benefited from a practical demonstration on CLiK administration, followed by Lesley Stubbings of SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) demonstrating the need to know the correct animal weight when drenching for worms.
Preventative treatment, typically in late spring, means farmers avoid the impact of high fly challenge on lamb growth rates and ewe fertility, which result from reduced food intake. "Also, by treating smaller lambs, at the correct dose for their size, you get more doses per pack compared to waiting and treating later, and there is less chance that that withdrawal times will impact on lamb marketing," Mr Harris pointed out. "Plus, prompt treatment frees up time for other jobs in the busy summer period."
Novartis Brand Manager James Crawford said of the event: "Novartis Animal Health is proud to continue its long-running association with this hugely popular event, which was well attended again this year. We are committed to supporting UK sheep farmers, and control of important parasites such as blowfly remains a priority for the industry."
