[Marches Farmer]

We saw several cases of flystrike around the shoulders and over the brisket when the sheep were wet through after a very wet WInter a few years ago and decided they had fleece rot which had attracted the flies.  It was too early for them to have been shorn. We now Clik three weeks after shearing - along the back, across the shoulders and the top of the tail.  This year I'm going to crutch the whole flock before tupping.  Our Badger Face get freaked out by flies and sulk in the shade or a field shelter on humid days.  The Southdowns seem blissfully oblivious.

[plumseverywhere]

This year we've not cleared the orchard of fruit - usually we pick most of it and make wine but husband not doing that anymore.  I've seen mucky bums which I'm assuming are from eating too many fallen plums and wet grass.  Checking the sheep twice a day and yesterday, sure enough found a tiny patch of strike - caught early and all looking good again now.  This lamb was sprayed with crovect less than 3 weeks ago yet still struck in one of the areas I sprayed (top of tail) 

[bazzais]

Our clik 'end of date use' is coming to an end (we used clckzin for lambs) - we are starting to see ewes now with tracks but no flesh eating maggots (this is how it works it mutats the maggots so they dont have the ability to eat as it fooks up their mouths)


We are finding this year that the clic and cliczin is working so much better.  But we always have crovect ready for the ones that are caught.

[bazzais]

Its goes as said - that you have to search for maggots.  They burrow - they are attracted to heat.  You have to trim and dig deep.  When you can see them on the surface - its normally too late.

[clydesdaleclopper]

There is an interesting article here http://www.rirdc.gov.au/news/2012/01/24/research-finds-tea-tree-oil-effective-against-sheep-fly-strike-and-lice-infestations on the use of tea tree oil to both kill maggots and as a repellant against adult flies

[Kimbo]

There is an interesting article here http://www.rirdc.gov.au/news/2012/01/24/research-finds-tea-tree-oil-effective-against-sheep-fly-strike-and-lice-infestations on the use of tea tree oil to both kill maggots and as a repellant against adult flies

really interesting, thank you. Ive used Tee Tree oil for several years as the main component of my horse fly repellent. Im going to spray all the sheep tomorrow with the same thing