![]() ![]() Flystruck animals often have a strong characteristic odour and in severe cases, the wet-looking wool can begin to shed. When the flock settle, infected sheep will display signs of agitation, such as foot stamping or turning to nibble their body. ![]() In male sheep the penile region is also a common area for fly strike to occur. Identification of infected sheep įlystruck sheep are identified in the flock by characteristic green or wet-looking patches in the sheep's fleece, usually around the haunches or tail, or at the site of an open wound, where wool can create a damper area which is more attractive to flies. In Australia, Lucilia cuprina causes about 90% of infestations, and Chrysomya rufifacies is the most common secondary pest that targets wounds caused by L. įly strike is problematic, not only causing loss or degradation of stock, but also requiring expenditure of both money and time for effective management. Fly strike can be lethal for sheep due to ammonia poisoning. Sheep display symptoms such as agitation, loss of appetite, odour and matted wool, many of which further encourage the attraction of flies. Once the larvae develop, flies continue to deposit eggs on to new or already infected sheep, starting the infection process over again. After hatching, the maggots bury themselves in the sheep's wool and eventually under the sheep's skin, feeding off their flesh. Sheep are particularly susceptible to flystrike because their thick wool, if sufficiently contaminated with urine and faecal material, can provide effective breeding ground for maggots even in the relative absence of wounds.įlystrike in sheep is a condition where parasitic flies lay eggs on soiled wool or open wounds. Infestation of sheep with parasitic maggotsįlystrike in sheep is a myiasis condition, in which domestic sheep are infected by one of several species of flies which are external parasites of sheep.
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