Managing Flystrike in Sheep

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Questions and Answers

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

$280 million

Identify the two most prevalent types of flystrike in sheep.

Body strike and breech strike

What environmental factors influence the risk of flystrike?

Environmental conditions and sheep susceptibility

Which species of fly is responsible for about 90% of all flystrikes in sheep?

Australian sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the appearance of the Australian sheep blowfly.

It is copper green with reddish eyes and approximately 10mm long. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hairy maggot fly (Chrysomya rufifacies) play in relation to flystrike?

It invades flystrike wounds but does not initiate flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of untreated flystrike for sheep?

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

How can predicting blowfly larvae development assist in managing flystrike risk?

It helps in active monitoring and preventive measures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average lifespan of an adult fly?

The average lifespan of an adult fly is approximately two to three weeks. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it 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 occurrence of flystrike?

The ideal temperature range for flystrike is between 15–38 degrees Celsius. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the female fly need a protein feed after hatching?

The female fly requires a protein feed for her reproductive organs to mature before she can lay eggs. Signup and view all the answers

What crucial environmental condition must exist for flystrike to occur regarding moisture?

There must be sufficient moisture provided by recent rain to keep suitable sites on the sheep moist for about three days. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

How quickly do larvae grow after hatching?

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

What environmental factor related to wind speed is ideal for fly dispersion?

Wind speeds below 9 kilometers per hour are ideal for fly dispersion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Flystrike

Flystrike in sheep poses a serious health and welfare risk, costing Australia approximately $280 million annually.
Active monitoring and management are vital to preventing productivity losses and ensuring animal welfare.

Economic Impact

Flystrike directly affects enterprise profitability through decreased animal productivity and increased treatment costs.
Effective management reduces health risks for sheep and enhances farm business productivity.

Types of Flystrike

Five types of flystrike exist, with body and breech strike being the most common and significant.
The prevalence of flystrike types is influenced by environmental conditions and sheep susceptibility.

Predicting Flystrike Risk

Assessing flystrike risk involves understanding environmental conditions and the susceptibility of sheep.
Knowledge of the biology and lifecycle of the Australian blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) is essential for effective prediction.

Biology of the Australian Sheep Blowfly

L.cuprina accounts for about 90% of flystrikes; it is copper green with reddish eyes and approximately 10mm long.
The smooth-skinned white maggot of L.cuprina results from adult flies, which typically live for two to three weeks.
Eggs hatch into larvae within 12-24 hours, growing from pinhead size to 10-15mm in about three days before dropping off to pupate.

Lifecycle and Behavior

The complete lifecycle of L.cuprina ranges around 17 days in warm weather.
Adult blowflies generally do not travel more than three kilometers from their hatching site.
Female flies require protein sources (from carcasses, manure, and existing strikes) for reproductive maturity and egg-laying.

Environmental Conditions Favoring Flystrike

Key conditions include the presence of primary species (Australian sheep blowfly), adequate temperatures (15–38 degrees Celsius), and recent rainfall to keep sheep moist.
Wrinkles, urine, and feces on sheep provide suitable sites for fly attraction and larval sustenance.
Low wind speeds (below 9 km/h) facilitate better dispersal opportunities for flies.

Strike Incidence Insights

Flystrike occurrence can be significant even with low blowfly populations; a historical example shows a 62% strike rate at Mount Barker Research Station with minimal fly catch in traps.
Monitoring the abundance of L.cuprina is crucial to understanding potential strike risks.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the management practices for preventing and controlling flystrike in sheep, a significant health threat in Australian agriculture. Understanding the impacts on productivity and animal welfare is crucial for effective management. Stay informed about the costs and risks associated with neglecting this issue.