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Warm Spell Raises Blowfly Threat

A Welcome Change

The heatwave currently sweeping across the country is a welcome development to all of us. After what has been two dire months of record rainfall, this sudden bout of sunshine is much needed. Until the weather started to take up a couple of weeks ago, ground in many parts was in terrible condition and grass growth was desperately poor. On some of our land, it is possible to walk without sinking to the ankles for the first time all year. The cattle hardly know themselves!

A Health Warning

However, experienced sheep farmers will know that the sudden uptick in temperatures comes with a health warning. The warmer weather has led to an explosion in insect life and this, in turn, raises the threat of maggots. Over the coming weeks, farmers should be extra vigilant for the early warning signs of blowfly strike. In particular, they should watch out for wet patches around the tail, underside, kidney region and shoulders. Sheep in noticeable discomfort who are constantly trying to bite at a particular part of the body should be checked and double-checked for infestation. Where maggots are encountered, it is best to clip and dip immediately. Wounds should be dressed with Stockholm Tar to prevent flies from getting at the damaged flesh. Time is of the essence here. Depending on where on the body infestation occurs, death may occur quickly. 
 
Prevention Better Than Cure
 
As with most illnesses, prevention is better than cure. This is particularly true when it comes to blowfly strike, since it is easily preventable in most cases. Prevention usually entails pre-emptively treating the flock with either a pour-on or a dip. Both methods are highly effective, and farmers should choose the treatment product that is best suited to their farm. Below we have provided some key information on the best blowfly treatments available on the market. We hope you will find our guide useful.
 
The Clik Range
 
The Clik range of pour-ons are among the most trusted products for preventing serious blowfly attacks in sheep. The standard Clik Pour-On contains the active ingredient Dicyclanil. It is effective at preventing maggot outbreaks for up to 16 weeks. However, with a withdrawal period of 40 days for meat and offal, this one may not be the best choice for lambs that you are planning to send to the factory in the summer or early autumn. You should also note that the Clik Pour-On is not suitable for use in animals producing milk for human consumption.

Clik Extra is the most powerful product in this range, and will prevent blowfly strike for up to 19 weeks. It contains the same active ingredient as the standard version, and also has a withdrawal period of 40 days. If you want peace of mind about blowfly up to the late autumn, then Clik Extra might be the best choice for ewes and breeding rams around shearing time. An application of Clik Extra in early June will see your sheep covered until early to mid-October. By then, we would usually expect the inclement autumn weather to take care of the blowfly.

And finally there is ClikzinClikzin offers a maximum of 8 weeks’ protection against blowfly strike, and has a withdrawal period of 7 days for meat and offal. This makes it the ideal choice for lambs that you want to sell off in August or September, or that are going straight to the factory.

For optimal protection against blowfly strike, the Clik range of products have to be administered with a pour-on applicator gun using the “4 stroke” method. Ideally, when applying according to the 4-stroke method, you should have an assistant to hold the sheep at the head. Then, using your applicator gun, apply Clik as follows:

1) 1/4 sprayed from between the shoulders to middle of back

2) 1/4 sprayed from middle of back to top of animals tail

3) 1/4 sprayed from one side of the animals tail down the crutch

4) 1/4 sprayed from other side of tail down the other crutch

Ectofly and Vector

Other solid choices for preventing blowfly strike are Ectofly and Vector. These are more general-purpose insect repellents, and are used for the treatment and control of ticks, lice and flies. Like Clikzin, they have a 7-day withdrawal period, making them ideal for use on factory lambs. Ectofly and Vector contain the active ingredient Cypermethrin and are effective against flies for up to 8 weeks. They should be applied using a purpose-designed pour-on gun.

Summer Dip

Summer Dip is something of an old reliable and is very popular with farmers. This topical-use dip should be combined with a clean bath for best results. It offers lasting protection against blowfly infestation but has a 35-day withdrawal period for meat. Again, farmers should note that it cannot be used on ewes producing milk for human consumption.