Animal involvement, whether as an animal owner, farmer, or person in the animal care business, means that you have to know about blowfly strike. Blowfly strike is an asymptomatic and quick condition that can kill an animal rapidly if not detected early. We’ll discuss what blowfly strike is, its impact on animals, and how you can avoid it.
What Is Blowfly Strike?
Blowfly strike or myiasis is an agonizing problem brought about by flies, primarily blowflies, laying eggs on an animal’s coat, especially in hot, damp, or unhygienic regions. When these eggs hatch, the maggots or fly larvae feed on the flesh of the animal. This causes immense pain, possible infections, and eventually death if not medically treated early enough.
Blowfly strike is best described in the following:
- Sheep (particularly those with thick wool or dirty fleeces)
- Rabbits, especially those living outside
- Dogs and cats, especially if they are dirty or have open wounds
How Does It Occur?
Dirty and damp fur or wool, especially when it contains the stains of urine or feces, is a magnet for blowflies. Once the eggs have been laid by the fly, they will hatch in 12 to 24 hours. The larvae migrate into the animal’s skin, eating tissue and producing painful lesions.
Risk factors most often include:
- Warm and humid climates
- Diarrhea or dirty hind legs
- Wounds or abscesses
- Poor grooming
- Poor hygiene in enclosures or fields
Symptoms of Blowfly Strike
Early signs will be subtle, so watch carefully. Observe:
- Restlessness or agitation
- Abnormal grooming or licking
- Off-smell close to the affected area
- Swelling, redness, or discharge
- Visible maggots in the skin or coat
In severe cases, animals will become lethargic, stop eating, or exhibit signs of shock.
How Is It Treated?
Blowfly strike is an emergency.
Treatment is usually:
- Clipping and cleaning the involved area to remove and expose all maggots.
- Topical and systemic antibiotics to fight infection.
- Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Fly repellent sprays or dips to avoid re-infestation.
In serious situations, euthanasia can be the kindest solution if the animal is in a great deal of distress.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
The better news? Blowfly strike is extremely preventable with responsible care:
Sheep:
- Crutching: Trim wool around the tail and back regularly.
- Dagging: Remove dirty wool to avoid fly attraction.
- Insecticidal dips or sprays in fly season.
- Monitoring: Monitor animals daily in the summer months.
Why Does My Dog Pant at Night?
Rabbits:
- Clean hutches often.
- Monitor rear ends daily for fecal accumulation.
- Provide dry, shaded conditions.
- Use fly screens or traps near enclosures.
Pets:
- Treat wounds immediately.
- Keep grooming up, particularly with long-haired animals.
- Keep living spaces clean and dry.
Final Thoughts
Blowfly strike is a frightening experience for pets and their owners. But with knowledge and awareness, you can significantly minimize the risk and respond immediately if it happens. If you are an experienced farmer or a new pet owner, information and alertness can literally save lives.
Questions regarding fly strike in your pets? Always seek a veterinarian’s opinion for the most precise diagnosis and treatment strategy.
