New findings from an Elanco report have found a significant proportion of sheep farmers have been caught out by blowfly strike in the past, with one in five suffering financial losses greater than £500 as a result.

Despite this, a significant proportion may still wait for the first signs of blowfly before taking action and risk the financial and emotional losses of a missed case.

As a result, a new Strike First report has been developed by Elanco Animal Health in partnership with a panel of flock health experts, including independent sheep consultant, Fiona Lovatt.

The report details the latest experiences and attitudes of sheep farmers towards blowfly strike, and provides latest best practice advice in tackling the parasite. The Strike First panel advice farmers use the ‘F.I.R.S.T’ acronym to ensure adequate prevention against blowfly strike.

Find the right product to protect your flock: Choose a narrow-spectrum preventative product that offers the peace of mind of full fleece protection. Preventing early against blowfly strike can also help reduce the fly population for later in the season.

Integrate your plan with your production schedule to maximise product efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Think about how long you need cover for, the meat withdrawal period of the product you are using, and when your lambs are going to market.

Risk: Find the earliest period of risk for your farm, as different areas of the farm can have varying levels of blowfly strike risk. Keep a close eye on these risk areas, which include: areas with a moist climate or damp ground, wooded areas with a low wind factor, south-facing slopes and areas with sheltered valleys.

Strike first: Blowfly strike can establish itself very quickly. Don’t wait, use a preventative treatment before the first case of strike occurs.

Treat correctly: With any treatment it’s important to apply your medicines correctly. Be sure to use the right equipment including calibrating your applicator, weighing your animals and applying the product according to manufacturers’ instructions.

You can also keep track of blowfly strike in your area using Elanco’s Strike Tracker – visit www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/blowfly-strike-tracker to view cases across the UK or submit your own reports of blowfly strike.

For more information on blowfly strike and advice on preventative measures, visit www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/sheep-blowfly