21/09/2026
🚨FLYSTRIKE - We have had an influx of recent flystike cases.
Flystrike is a rapidly progressing, painful and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect any animal - regardless of whether it has a wool or hair coat.
Flies lay their eggs in wool or fibre because it provides the ideal warm and moist environment for the eggs to hatch. Soiled wool or fibre, as well as wool or fibre that has become damp from rain or morning dew, is particularly vulnerable to infestation.
Once the eggs hatch, the maggots feed on the animal’s flesh. Initially, the animal may experience intense itching, but this can quickly progress to an excruciatingly painful condition as the maggots burrow deeper into the tissue.
Under suitable conditions, the maggot life cycle can be completed in less than 10 days. The first maggots can appear within just 12 hours of eggs being laid, highlighting how rapidly flystrike can develop. If left untreated, an animal suffering from flystrike can die rapidly.
With increasingly warmer temperatures associated with climate change, we are sadly seeing more cases occurring well into the autumn.
🪰Look out for:
· Animals separating themselves from the flock or herd
· Tail twitching
· Reduced appetite or inappetence
· Discoloured or wet-looking wool/fibre
· Intense, repetitive itching or nibbling
· Agitation or restlessness
· An unusual ‘yeasty’ smell
· An animal appearing generally ‘off-colour’
Eggs can be laid anywhere on the body, however the flies prefer to lay in moist and warm areas such as:
· The rump area (where there tends to be soiled wool), including the tail
· The neck (front and back)
· Back and sides
· Can affect feet where footrot/foot infections are present
· Ge****ls
· Underside of abdomen
🔎What should you do if you spot flystrike?
If you suspect an animal has flystrike, prompt treatment is essential.
· Clip the affected area and remove as many maggots as possible.
· Carefully check the rest of the fleece for any other affected areas, including the underside of the animal.
· Bathe the affected area with dilute Hibiscrub/chlorhexidine and rinse thoroughly.
· Ensure the area is dry before applying a topical insecticide following the instructions on the product datasheet - bear min mind these may be off license for goats or alpacas - please call for any advice.
· Provide appropriate pain relief, such as an NSAID.
· If the lesions are severe, please contact your vet. A systemic or topical antibiotic may be required.
❓How can flystrike be prevented?
Prevention and regular monitoring are key to protecting your animals from this painful condition.
· Shear regularly. This may need to be more frequently than you think. With rising temperatures, shearing once may not be sufficient. Where possible, consider shearing areas prone to soiling, such as the rump, more frequently.
· Use preventative fly treatments appropriately at the correct intervals - we can advise you on which products prevent, treat or do both.
· Keep a record of when they were treated to ensure they remain up to date with preventative treatment
· Check your flock regularly. Stay vigilant, particularly during periods of warm weather.
· Know the signs. Early recognition and treatment can make a significant difference.
If you have any concerns:
Flystrike can progress extremely quickly, so if you are concerned that an animal may be affected, or if you have concerns or questions, please contact us.
