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A case control study of blowfly strike in lambs
N P French1, T D Parkin, K L Morgan
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol.
The Veterinary Record
|October 19, 1996
Summary
Blowfly strike in lambs is linked to poor hygiene, indicated by higher fecal soiling (dag score). Lambs with strike also showed altered blood copper and urea levels, suggesting metabolic factors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Sheep Husbandry
- Animal Parasitology
Background:
- Blowfly strike is a significant economic and welfare issue in sheep farming.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk factors associated with blowfly strike in lambs.
- To analyze the relationship between various physical and biochemical parameters and the incidence of blowfly strike.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted on 11 farms in southwest England.
- Data collected included weight, fecal soiling (dag score), fleece length, crimp frequency, tail length, blood copper, and blood urea levels.
- Conditional logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Case lambs (affected by blowfly strike) exhibited significantly higher dag scores and lower crimp frequencies compared to controls.
- After adjusting for dag score, shorter fleece length was also associated with blowfly strike.
- Elevated blood copper and reduced blood urea levels were observed in lambs with blowfly strike.
Conclusions:
- Fecal soiling (dag score) is a primary risk factor for blowfly strike in lambs.
- Biochemical markers such as blood copper and urea may also play a role in susceptibility.
- These findings can inform targeted interventions to reduce blowfly strike incidence.