Questions and Answers
What is flystrike in sheep primarily caused by?
What condition in sheep is characterized by the presence of maggots living under the skin and feeding on flesh?
Which species is responsible for the majority of flystrike cases in Australia?
How do maggots contribute to the lifecycle of flystrike?
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What physical sign indicates a sheep may be infested with flystrike?
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Which of the following is a symptom of flystrike in sheep?
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What can cause flystrike to develop more frequently in sheep?
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What effect can ammonia poisoning have on sheep suffering from flystrike?
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What behavior might an infected sheep display as a result of flystrike?
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In which area is flystrike particularly common in male sheep?
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Study Notes
Flystrike in Sheep
- Myiasis condition caused by parasitic flies infecting domestic sheep.
- Thick wool contaminated with urine and fecal matter creates breeding grounds for maggots, even without wounds.
- Flies lay eggs on soiled wool or open wounds; maggots hatch and burrow into the sheep's flesh.
- After larvae develop, flies lay eggs on new or infected sheep, perpetuating the cycle of infestation.
- Symptoms include agitation, loss of appetite, unpleasant odor, and matted wool, attracting more flies.
- Ammonia poisoning can result from flystrike, making it potentially lethal for sheep.
- Infestation causes economic losses due to stock degradation and increased management expenses.
Flystrike Causes and Effects
- In Australia, Lucilia cuprina accounts for approximately 90% of infestations.
- Chrysomya rufifacies is the main secondary pest, targeting wounds from L. cuprina.
- Flystruck sheep show green or wet-looking fleece patches, particularly around the haunches, tail, or wounds.
- Penile area in male sheep is also a common flystrike site.
- Infected sheep display agitation behaviors such as foot stamping or nibbling at their body.
- Severe cases can lead to shedding of wet-looking wool and produce a strong characteristic odor.
Environmental Factors
- Optimal conditions for flystrike include temperatures between 15–38°C (59–100°F), recent rainfall, and wind speeds under 9 km/h (5.6 mph).
- UK peak breeding season for green bottle flies generally occurs in late June or July, though infestations can happen any time warm, damp conditions are present.
Prevention and Management
- Various preventative measures exist to minimize flystrike risk in sheep flocks.
- No single measure can entirely prevent flystrike; regular treatment and monitoring are essential for effective management.
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Description
This quiz explores the myiasis condition known as flystrike in domestic sheep. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and economic effects of this parasitic infestation, primarily caused by Lucilia cuprina. Understand the life cycle of the flies and the impacts on sheep health and management.
