New practices needed to beat blowflies

British sheep farmers are being urged to treat their ewes against blowfly strike immediately after shearing them this year instead of later in the season to ensure protection and peace of mind through to season end.

"This is particularly important now because the changes in climate mean the blowfly season lasts longer, with the risk of blowfly strike beginning earlier and extending well into the autumn," warns Novartis Animal Health Brand Manager, James Crawford.

"Ewes should be treated immediately after shearing as part of the same handling process," said Mr Crawford. "Not only does this reduce stress on the ewe, removing the need for further handling and treatment at a later date, but it also gives immediate protection from the devastating effects of blowfly strike".

It is more common for sheep farmers in Australia and New Zealand to treat their ewes post shearing to protect their flocks against blowfly strike and Mr Crawford believes, as the seasons get longer here, off-shears use of IgRs will become common practice in the UK.

Mr Crawford pointed out that Novartis Animal Health’s insect growth regulator (IgR) CLiK, which is the longest acting blowfly treatment on the market, offered farmers 16 weeks of protection and was ideal to use off shears to protect ewes and tups against any late blowfly challenge.

CLiK has a unique Fleecebind™ technology that binds its active ingredient tightly to the grease in the wool – even the shorter wool, staple of freshly shorn sheep, gets fully coated to offer protection.

"It makes sense to be proactive – and sheep that have been treated with CLiK can be turned out protected against strike all through the season, however unpredictable, or lengthy it might be."

"Not only does this provide farmers with peace of mind all summer and into the autumn months, it will also save them time and money, because they won’t have to re-gather their sheep and bring them in again at a later date," said Mr Crawford.