Podcast
Questions and Answers
Match the following terms related to flystrike in sheep with their descriptions:
Flystrike = Condition of sheep infested with parasitic maggots Lucilia cuprina = Primary cause of infestations in Australia Chrysomya rufifacies = Common secondary pest targeting wounds Myiasis = Infection caused by external parasites like flies
Match the following symptoms of flystrike in sheep with their effects:
Agitation = Sign of discomfort and distress in infected sheep Loss of appetite = Reduced food intake due to illness Characteristic odour = A strong smell indicating infection Matted wool = Wool that appears tangled and wet due to larvae presence
Match the following causes of fly attraction to sheep with their sources:
Soiled wool = Contamination with urine and faeces Open wounds = Injuries that provide breeding ground for flies Wet fleece = Damper areas that attract flies Penile region = Common area for flystrike in male sheep
Match the following management aspects of flystrike with their purposes:
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Match the following steps in the life cycle of the fly with their descriptions:
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Match the following flystrike characteristics with their identifying features:
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Match the following flystrike effects with their consequences:
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Match the following statements about flystrike with their veracity:
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Match the following fly species with their roles in flystrike:
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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 phenomenon of flystrike in sheep, particularly focusing on the myiasis condition caused by parasitic maggots. Learn about how contaminated wool serves as a breeding ground for flies and the implications for sheep health.
