Flystrike Impact on Sheep Productivity

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary consequences of flystrike for sheep farming productivity?

Loss of productivity and increased treatment costs.

Name the five types of flystrike and identify which ones are most prevalent.

Body strike, breech strike, poll strike, pizzle strike, and the fifth is less commonly mentioned.

How does the environment affect the risk of flystrike in sheep?

Environmental conditions determine the likelihood of flystrike occurrences.

What is the primary blowfly species responsible for flystrike in sheep?

The Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the adult Australian sheep blowfly's physical characteristics.

It is copper green in color, has reddish eyes, and is approximately 10 mm long. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hairy maggot fly play in the lifecycle of flystrike?

It invades wounds started by L.cuprina but does not initiate flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for blowfly eggs to hatch into larvae?

12-24 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What is the size progression of blowfly larvae from hatching to maturity?

From pin head size to 10-15 mm in length within about three days. Signup and view all the answers

When do blowfly larvae typically drop off the sheep to pupate?

Usually at night or in the early morning when ground temperatures are coolest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average lifespan of adult blowflies?

Two to three weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum distance that adult blowflies typically travel from their hatching site?

Adult blowflies normally do not travel more than three kilometres from where they hatch. Signup and view all the answers

What type of feed is essential for female blowflies before they can lay eggs?

Female blowflies need a feed of protein for their reproductive organs to mature and another feed before egg laying. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of temperature in the activity level of L.cuprina?

L.cuprina are relatively inactive below 15°C and most active between 26°C and 38°C. Signup and view all the answers

How does wind speed affect the flight activity of blowflies?

Wind speeds above 9 km/h reduce flight activity, and they do not fly at all when wind speed exceeds 30 km/h. Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of strike incidence at Mount Barker Research Station in September 1978?

The strike incidence was 62% of the total for the year. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to monitor even low numbers of L.cuprina in blowfly traps?

The presence of any L.cuprina in traps indicates a significant risk of serious strike problems if environmental conditions are ideal. Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor does NOT promote blowfly activity?

Temperatures below 15°C do not promote blowfly activity. Signup and view all the answers

What are two strategies that can help reduce the risk of flystrike?

Genetic options and husbandry options can help reduce the risk of flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the abundance of L.cuprina and flystrikes?

Even low numbers of L.cuprina can cause significant flystrikes if other conditions are ideal. Signup and view all the answers

How do sheep type and management strategies impact susceptibility to flystrike?

Susceptibility to flystrike depends on environmental conditions, sheep type, and management strategies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of Flystrike

Flystrike negatively affects enterprise profitability through productivity loss and increased treatment costs.
Reducing flystrike risks benefits sheep health, worker safety, and overall farm productivity.
Five types of flystrike exist, with body and breech strikes being the most common.

Predicting Flystrike Risk

Prediction of flystrike risk is influenced by environmental conditions and sheep susceptibility.
Understanding the biology of the Australian blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, aids in effective prediction.

Biology of the Australian Blowfly

L. cuprina initiates about 90% of flystrikes; characterized by a copper green color and reddish eyes.
Adult blowflies are approximately 10 mm in length and produce smooth-skinned white maggots.
Damaged tissues from flystrike wounds attract other fly species, notably the hairy maggot fly, Chrysomya rufifacies.
C. rufifacies is blue-green, 10 mm long, and is a secondary invader in existing flystrike wounds.

Life Cycle and Behavior

Adult blowflies live roughly two to three weeks; eggs hatch into larvae in 12-24 hours.
Larvae grow from pinhead size to 10-15 mm within about three days before dropping off the sheep to pupate.
Adult flies typically do not travel more than three kilometers during their lifespan.

Environmental Conditions for Flystrike

Even low numbers of L. cuprina can lead to significant flystrikes if conditions are favorable.
The strike incidence can be high despite low fly populations, indicating the need for vigilance.
Optimal temperatures for blowfly activity range from 26°C to 38°C; development slows below 15°C.
Wind speeds above 9 km/h reduce activity, with no flying occurring at speeds over 30 km/h.

Sheep Susceptibility

The susceptibility of sheep to flystrike is influenced by environmental factors, breed types, and management practices.

Risk Management Strategies

Long-term genetic options can permanently mitigate flystrike risk.
Short-term husbandry measures are available to manage and reduce flystrike risk effectively.

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Description

This quiz explores the effects of flystrike on sheep and its implications for farm profitability. Understand the types of flystrike and learn about effective prevention and treatment strategies to enhance animal health and business efficiency.