Fighting Flies

“FLY STRIKE”

Joel Lanier- Jacoby’s Feed Consultant

Fly strike can be damaging to sheep and goats and fatal in some cases. Prevention can keep serious damage from occurring and keep your setbacks to a minimum. Castration, dehorning and tail docking in the spring can be a problem if untreated.

*Pine Tar around docked tails and any surgery area is effective for keeping flies out of wound.

*Good quality pyrethroid for spraying the head, body and legs will keep stock protected.

*Closely shorn show lambs/goats for shows need to be blanketed and head/legs sprayed to keep the flies at bay. Caution is advised against using fly repellents on freshly shorn sheep/goats; just use blankets and spray head and legs. Could have serious skin reactions to fly spray. Rough shearing with 13 tooth blades and cover coats leave the animal with enough hair/wool to be sprayed down.

*Good rule of thumb on fly repellents—“If it is safe for horses, it’s generally save for show lambs/goats.

* Remember during fly season to keep your premises clean and spray frequently with a good barn and premises insecticide. Show stock under fans stay cooler and flies don’t like the wind current.

*Fly traps and fly bait also help control fly reproduction and are certainly part of a good fly control plan.

*Lastly, remember folks, fly larvae turns in to maggots quickly and can do a lot of serious damage to your livestock if left untreated. Stay diligent and good luck with your stock.