All cases of blowfly strike should be treated promptly if the animal is to survive and recover quickly. Euthanasia should be seriously considered in severely affected or sick sheep for welfare reasons.
- Clip entire affected area
- Apply effective product to kill the maggots.
- Be aware that Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) do NOT kill maggots. Seek advice from your vet/SQP as to effective products to use.
- Consider injecting non-steroidal pain relief and spray or inject antibiotic to cover secondary bacterial infection. Please discuss any treatments with your vet.
The damage caused by blowfly strike can be extensive. Even with effective treatment, it takes time for wounds to heal, fleece to grow back and condition to be restored.