Remote Identification of Sheep with Flystrike Using Behavioural Observations.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Behaviour
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Flystrike is a significant economic and welfare issue for sheep in Australia.
• Current methods for identifying flystruck sheep are labour-intensive, necessitating remote detection solutions.
• Low-input farming systems require efficient, non-invasive methods for animal health monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate behavioural differences in sheep with breech flystrike in a paddock environment.
• To determine if behavioural changes can be used for remote identification of flystruck sheep.
• To correlate observed behaviours with flystrike severity and breech condition.

Main Methods:

• Video recording of Merino sheep (n=16) with and without confirmed flystrike in a free-ranging paddock setting.
• Quantitative behavioural analysis, including movement patterns and grazing time.
• Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA) to evaluate demeanour and posture.

Main Results:

• Flystruck sheep displayed significantly different behaviour, including restlessness, abnormal postures, and reduced grazing (p < 0.05).
• QBA scores indicated a more 'exhausted/irritated' demeanour in flystruck animals (p < 0.05).
• Behavioural changes correlated with the severity of flystrike and breech condition.

Conclusions:

• Remotely assessed behaviour effectively distinguishes flystruck from non-flystruck sheep.
• Behavioural monitoring offers a potential low-input method for early detection and management of flystrike.
• This approach supports the development of non-invasive tools for sheep health surveillance.