Fly Strike

[GAM]

We had a lamb with ”Fly Strike” something I wasn’t aware of being a new sheep owner! We managed to trim back the fleece on its hind quarters and put maggot oil on it, then put in a pen in the barn, after about 48hrs it started to pick up eat a few nuts and hay.
It’s been in the barn about three weeks now and is very vocal, obviously wants to return to the flock, I’m worried it has no fur/fleece on its backend! Any advice/suggestions greatly appreciated.....

 

[hilux]

Turn it out ,it'll be fine.

 

[Mc115reed]

We had a lamb with ”Fly Strike” something I wasn’t aware of being a new sheep owner! We managed to trim back the fleece on its hind quarters and put maggot oil on it, then put in a pen in the barn, after about 48hrs it started to pick up eat a few nuts and hay.
It’s been in the barn about three weeks now and is very vocal, obviously wants to return to the flock, I’m worried it has no fur/fleece on its backend! Any advice/suggestions greatly appreciated.....

It’ll be fine, most sheep farmers trim the wool off lambs arses in winter anyways too stop them getting shitty from all the lush grass

 

[dudders]

Turn it out with the flock, but keep checking them all - it's still not too late in the year for strike. As well as under the tail, look also under the chest, because when the beast lies down, it tucks in its forefeet, which then rub against the lower chest. If they're mucky with crap or footrot, it transfers to the wool and attracts flies, which lay eggs there. When the eggs hatch, the maggots tend to work upwards, which is why you often see sheep with a belt of short wool, or no wool, where it's been cleaned up.

Unless it's a serious case of strike, eg: the skin is broken and bleeding or the animal is very weak, you can treat it and leave it with the flock. But if they've got under the skin, it may need major treatment - a visit to your vet. Strike is a vicious thing - the animal gets slowly eaten alive. Looking at the flock in the field, keep an eye out for sheep that are biting or kicking at themselves, or suddenly rushing about. Sure sign they've got it. Also, any sheep that's well separated from the others, especially if it's looking 'hangdog', is probably coming down with something.

If you're new to the business, try to get on a course on sheep care, or something online, or at least a good book like Sheep Management and Production (Goodwin). Got to be proactive with sheep, coz the first sign of trouble is often 4 feet in the air. They have a death wish...

 

[primmiemoo]

Must have been quite a bad strike if he was off his food for two days. Hope wounds are healed, and he goes out to thrive for you.

 

[GAM]

It was quite bad, we had to shear down to the skin, and it looked quite sore, but it has dried up remarkably well, and he is very lively in the pen, bright eyed and rearing to go!

 

[primmiemoo]

That's good to hear he's feeling better. An application of udder cream, or similar non-perfumed emollient will sooth the dryness.

Hope he's soon out with his flock

 

[Red Fred]

That's good to hear he's feeling better. An application of udder cream, or similar non-perfumed emollient will sooth the dryness.

Hope he's soon out with his flock

It amazes me how quickly the skin recovers. One of our little flock was standing by the track baa-ing at me, and a quick inspection revealed the b****** maggots under her wool, and she looked a real mess when I trimmed her back. A clean up, spray and udder cream and she has completely recovered in a week with most of the skin looking normal. It is a very satisfying job to get them in time.

 

[primmiemoo]

It's catching it early, isn't it. It feels a million years ago, but I would sometimes have to catch, clip, and treat struck lambs before going to catch the school bus, but it had to be done or there would be something horrible to deal with when I came home - especially if a magpie had decided to "help" in the meantime.

Thank goodness for vetrazin and similar, nowadays!

 

[spin cycle]

i've found iodine very helpful for occasional strike.....i know it probably stings the sheep a little but it drives the maggots out and cleans any wounds

 

[GAM]

It amazes me how quickly the skin recovers. One of our little flock was standing by the track baa-ing at me, and a quick inspection revealed the b****** maggots under her wool, and she looked a real mess when I trimmed her back. A clean up, spray and udder cream and she has completely recovered in a week with most of the skin looking normal. It is a very satisfying job to get them in time.
[/QUOTE
Would Sudocrem be ok to use?]

 

[GAM]

Would Sudocrem be ok to use on the dry skin/scabs which are left?

 

[primmiemoo]

Would Sudocrem be ok to use on the dry skin/scabs which are left?

Definitely, if that's what you have to hand

 

[Red Fred]

Definitely, if that's what you have to hand

My udder cream was only a pot I bought at MVF to keep by the sink for my hands

 

[primmiemoo]

My udder cream was only a pot I bought at MVF to keep by the sink for my hands

Similar here. Swarfega, udder cream, Neutrogena (sorts out worst winter chilblains). Most eventualities catered for