First blowfly strike cases of 2020 reported

The first cases of blowfly strike in 2020 have been reported in several locations in the UK via the Elanco Blowfly Strike Tracker.

The interactive map produced by Elanco highlights areas hit with blowfly strike in real time, to deliver the most comprehensive and immediate warning. An ongoing collaboration with NADIS (National Animal Disease Information Service) also offers farmers real-time updates on blowfly risk along with expert industry advice.

The first case of strike was reported in Buckinghamshire, with several more reports coming in from Devon and Herefordshire. “Blowfly season has arrived, with multiple reports in quick succession,” says Kate Heller, Technical Vet at Elanco. “The costs of inaction when it comes to blowfly strike far outweigh the costs of protection – the time to act is now.”

“With 99% of farmers having suffered financial losses as a result of blowfly strike, the potential impact on your flock simply isn’t worth the risk. Farms need to take control — and take control early — by using a preventative IGR product with full fleece protection.”

Kate Heller is clear that just monitoring symptoms is not an effective strategy. “By the time symptoms show themselves, it’s often too late. It’s easy to overlook even one struck sheep, and blowfly strike can cause huge damage in very little time. In addition, using protection early reduces risk later in the season by ensuring a much lower fly count as the season progresses.”

“When farmers are looking at treatment options, they need to look the longest protection with an IGR that binds to the fleece – It is now possible to get 19 weeks blowfly strike prevention.”

To see the map or report a case of blowfly strike on your farm, and alert farmers in your area, go to www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/blowflytracker.