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:
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following steps in the life cycle of the fly with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following flystrike characteristics with their identifying features:
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following flystrike effects with their consequences:
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following statements about flystrike with their veracity:
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following fly species with their roles in flystrike:
Signup and view all the answers
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
