Managing Flystrike in Australian Sheep

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Questions and Answers

What is the estimated annual cost of flystrike to Australian sheep industry?

$280 million

Name the two most prevalent types of flystrike.

Body strike and breech strike

What species of blowfly is responsible for initiating around 90% of flystrikes?

Lucilia cuprina

What is the appearance and size of the adult Australian sheep blowfly?

Copper green color, reddish eyes, approximately 10 mm long Signup and view all the answers

How does environmental condition affect the risk of flystrike?

It influences both the blowfly population and sheep susceptibility. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hairy maggot fly, Chrysomya rufifacies, play in flystrike?

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

Why is reducing the risk of flystrike important for sheep farming?

It enhances animal welfare and improves farm productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What is produced by the Australian sheep blowfly as part of its life cycle?

Smooth skinned white maggot Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of flystrike on sheep?

Loss of productivity and increased treatment costs Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the susceptibility of sheep to flystrike?

Environmental conditions and individual sheep health status Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical lifespan of adult flies?

Adult flies usually live for approximately two to three weeks. Signup and view all the answers

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

Eggs generally hatch into larvae in 12-24 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is ideal for the activity of L.cuprina?

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

What factors contribute to the perfect environmental conditions for flystrike?

Perfect conditions include temperatures between 15–38°C, suitable moisture, and specific sites on the sheep. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common protein sources needed by female flies before laying eggs?

Common protein sources include carcasses, manure, and existing strikes. Signup and view all the answers

How does wind speed affect L.cuprina activity?

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

What is the best-case scenario for sheep susceptibility to flystrike?

The best-case scenario includes plain bodied sheep with low fleece rot and good management practices. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the incidence of strikes significant even with low numbers of L.cuprina flies?

Even low numbers can cause significant strikes if environmental conditions are ideal. Signup and view all the answers

What is one long-term strategy to reduce flystrike risk?

Genetic options are long-term and permanent solutions to reduce flystrike risk. Signup and view all the answers

How often should paddock monitoring be undertaken during high-risk times?

Paddock monitoring should be undertaken every two days during high-risk periods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Flystrike

Flystrike is a major health risk for Australian sheep, costing approximately $280 million annually.
Active monitoring and management are essential to prevent productivity losses and ensure animal welfare.

Impact on Profitability

Flystrike affects profitability through lost productivity in struck animals and increased treatment costs.
Managing flystrike enhances the health and wellbeing of sheep and boosts farm productivity.

Types of Flystrike

Five flystrike types exist, with body and breech strikes being the most prevalent.
Risk levels depend on environmental conditions and sheep susceptibility.

Predicting Flystrike Risk

Risk prediction hinges on environmental factors and sheep vulnerability.
Understanding the biology of the Australian blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) aids in forecasting flystrike occurrences.

Biology of the Australian Blowfly

Australian sheep blowfly is the main species, responsible for 90% of strikes; it measures around 10 mm, with a copper green color and reddish eyes.
Its life cycle includes:
- Eggs hatching into larvae within 12-24 hours.
- Larvae grow from pinhead size to 10-15 mm in about three days.
- Adult flies live for 2-3 weeks, with a life cycle to maturity taking 17 days in warm weather.

Environmental Conditions for Flystrike

Ideal conditions for flystrike include:
- Presence of the Australian sheep blowfly.
- Temperatures between 15-38 degrees Celsius.
- Recent rain to maintain suitable moisture levels for about three days.
- Suitable sites on sheep (wrinkles, urine, feces) for attracting flies.
- Wind speeds below 9 km/h to facilitate fly movement.

Susceptibility of Sheep

Susceptibility is influenced by environmental factors, sheep type, and management strategies.
Best-case scenarios include:
- Plain-bodied sheep with low fleece rot incidence.
- Well-managed hoggets with good worm control.
- Lambs with low breech wrinkle levels.
- Regular paddock monitoring and effective flystrike treatment.
Worst-case scenarios involve:
- Highly wrinkled Merino sheep with poor maintenance.
- Long, unshorn wool during peak risk periods.

Strategies to Reduce Flystrike Risk

Long-term genetic options serve as effective measures to lower risk.
Various short-term husbandry practices can be implemented to enhance flystrike prevention.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the significant health risks associated with flystrike in Australian sheep and its economic impact on the industry. Participants will learn about monitoring, management strategies, and the implications for animal welfare and productivity. Test your knowledge on effective prevention measures and treatment options.