Flystrike is caused by flies that are attracted to damp fur, urine, faeces and the odour of the rabbit's scent. The flies will land on the rabbit normally around the rabbits rear end and lay their eggs. Within a very short time of 2 hours the eggs will hatch into maggots.
How can flystrike be prevented?
How to prevent cases
- Examine flock regularly during at risk periods – twice a day recommended for signs of strike or increased fly presence.
- Shearing and dagging from early April.
- Tail docking of lambs.
- Controlling intestinal parasites and minimising diet changes to reduce digestive upsets.
How does fly strike kill sheep?
It is the maggot feeding activity on the skin surface that causes damage and the development of a wound. Fully grown maggots drop off the sheep and burrow into the soil where they develop into a pupa.
