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Control of sheep blowfly strike using fly-traps
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, UK. Jennifer.Broughan@bristol.ac.uk
Veterinary Parasitology
|September 29, 2005
Summary
Fly-traps effectively control sheep blowfly strike, reducing incidence by five times compared to controls. Combining traps with insecticides showed no significant difference from traps alone for sheep strike prevention.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Parasitology
- Sheep Husbandry
Background:
- Sheep blowfly strike, caused by Lucilia sericata, is a significant economic and welfare issue in sheep farming.
- Traditional control methods often rely on chemical insecticides, raising concerns about resistance and environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fly-traps as a sole or supplementary method for controlling sheep blowfly strike.
- To compare strike incidence in flocks using traps versus control flocks and those using traps with insecticides.
Main Methods:
- A field study was conducted on 12 commercial sheep farms in southwest England.
- Farms were divided into three groups: control (no treatment), traps only, and traps plus insecticides.
- Lucilia sericata abundance and strike incidence in ewes and lambs were monitored.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in Lucilia sericata abundance was observed across study sites.
- Control flocks exhibited the highest strike incidence (up to 10.9% in ewes, 10.1% in lambs).
- Flocks using traps (alone or with insecticides) showed a five-fold reduction in strike incidence compared to controls, with no significant difference between trapping strategies.
Conclusions:
- Fly-traps are an effective component of sheep blowfly strike control strategies on commercial farms.
- Trapping alone or in combination with insecticides significantly reduces strike incidence.
- This study supports the integration of fly-traps into integrated pest management programs for sheep.