fly strike

[red]

Sheep will get worms anytime of the year and shearing sheep will not stop them getting maggots.

but it does reduce the chances alot. take away their ideal environment dark warm and damp deep in the wool, and the blow fly does not do so well. in addition, flystrike can be well hidden under full wool. I have heard of lots of losses. Even though we found and treated two areas, a third revealed itself after shearing
Although pour-ons can be used on full wool - its better on a couple of weeks growth.

[autumnleaf]

I've succesfully treated all my flystrike by completely cleaning the affected area. This means removing all eggs, maggots, and wool. Then immediately pouring or rubbing white vinegar over the whole area. This keeps the flies away. Yes it does sting a bit but it is better than munching maggots and a whole lot cheaper than chemical concoctions. It pays to keep a regular eye on things to make sure the area dries well. I agree that if your conditions are warm and damp then shearing is the way to go once you know the flies are out and about.

Here the whole worm cycle is 7 weeks so if you don't use drenches (and I don't) then each paddock (field) is rested for 8 weeks to be on the safe side. If I can't do that then I'm overstocked.

Also I much prefer mutton to lamb anytime. Cooked slowly and gently it is far superior.