Approaching blowfly strike is second nature for sheep farmer, Philly Stacey, who joined the family farm after university to support their flock management.

For Philly, careful planning is essential with over 1,200 North Country Mules on the ground, including 800 main flock breeding ewes and 450 lambs. A third of those lambs are tupped, while the remaining two-thirds are necessary in grazing green areas around Milton Keynes.

As the seasons turn and spring and summer ushers in warmer conditions, the risk of blowfly strike quickly follows. This is when getting ahead of the blowfly risk becomes essential to prevent issues early in the season.

Preventing blowfly strike

Philly’s approach to blowfly control starts early in the season, typically in April, as the aim for her is to have protection in place before the problem begins. Her flock isn’t shorn until early June, so treatment provides crucial cover through that high-risk window. Once shearing is complete, the ewes are treated to carry them through the summer and into autumn.

Carolyn Hogan, Ruminant Technical Consultant at Elanco, supports this approach by highlighting the biological threat. Blowflies can lay 2,000 to 3,000 eggs in just a few weeks, and as summer progresses, populations surge. Even resilient animals can become vulnerable as the numbers multiply.

Applying protection early in the lifecycle of the fly helps interrupt this cycle and reduces the overall risk across the season.

Managing blowfly strike

Our qualified Animal Health Advisor, John Seabrook, has worked with Philly for several years and credits her success to a preventative mindset. From the outset, she has been proactive in seeking information and solutions. Her focus has always been on prevention rather than reacting to problems after they arise, an approach that John sees as essential for effective animal health management.

For Philly, good flock management is about continuous learning and improvement. She believes that the drive to do things right comes naturally when there's passion behind the work. Like many farmers, she sees the job as an ongoing journey where the more you learn, the better you get.

Blowfly control doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be timely and thorough. Philly Stacey’s system shows how a proactive mindset, structured treatment plan, and attention to detail can make all the difference.

Get advice for your flock

Whether you're unsure where to start or need a few questions answered, get in touch with our qualified Animal Health Advisors who will be happy to chat through your options and make the process a little easier.

Call 01451 830 400 or email [email protected].