Flystrike Season: A Calm, Practical Checklist for UK Sheep Keepers (Late June)

Late June in the UK often brings the kind of weather blowflies love: warmth, humidity, and still days. Flystrike happens when flies lay eggs on the fleece (often where it’s damp or soiled). Once the eggs hatch, the larvae can cause serious skin damage and illness — sometimes in a surprisingly short time.

The good news: a simple routine, done consistently, is one of the best protections you can give your flock — and it’s much easier if your everyday sheep kit is already to hand. If you’re topping up basics, start with Sheep Feed & Accessories.

Which sheep are most at risk?

Some sheep need closer attention than others, especially during warm spells:

• Sheep with soiled back ends (from scours or rich grass)
• Longer fleeces or sheep not yet shorn
• Sheep with skin issues, wounds, or foot problems
• Youngstock or any sheep that’s a bit run-down
• Sheep grazing warm, sheltered fields with less breeze

A calm daily check routine (10 minutes that really matters)

Try to check at roughly the same time each day so you notice changes quickly.

Look for behaviour changes

• Restlessness, repeated getting up/lying down
• Separating from the flock
• Biting at the fleece or rubbing against posts
• Dullness, not coming to feed, “not quite right”

Look for physical clues

• Damp patches or staining around the tail
• A slightly “open” look to the fleece
• A smell you can’t quite place
• Any wound, sore, or scab that looks irritated

Practical tip: If you spot anything that concerns you, it’s worth having a simple “grab box” ready so you’re not hunting around when time matters. A few everyday essentials from Farmyard First Aid are ideal for this.

Prevention that makes a real difference

You don’t need a complicated system — just a few basics done well.

1) Keep back ends clean

• Dag/crutch as needed (especially after scours)
• If scours are ongoing, look at likely causes:
  • sudden grass change
  • stress (weaning, moving fields)
  • parasite burden
  • diet imbalance

2) Treat and re-check wounds promptly

• Clean and treat minor wounds quickly
• Mark the sheep so you remember to re-check
• Don’t forget feet: foot issues can attract flies too

3) Support the sheep’s general condition

• Make sure sheep have constant access to clean water
• Keep stress low where possible
• If you’re feeding, keep it consistent

4) Pasture and field hygiene

• Rotate if you can, especially away from wet, sheltered corners
• Keep gateways and high-traffic areas as dry as possible
• Deal with any carcass/waste issues promptly

If you’re rotating more often at this time of year, temporary fencing makes life much easier. A quick browse of Electric Fencing and Electric Fencing - Accessories can save a lot of faff mid-season.

What to do if you suspect flystrike

If you think a sheep may be struck, treat it as urgent.

• Bring the sheep in or isolate somewhere safe and shaded
• Contact your vet for advice and treatment guidance
• If you’re trained/experienced, clip away affected fleece to assess the area

Don’t wait “to see if it improves”. Flystrike generally worsens without intervention. Early action is kinder and usually far simpler.

Quick late-June flystrike checklist

• Daily flock check in muggy weather
• Dag/crutch any dirty back ends
• Treat and re-check wounds/skin issues
• Watch scouring and address the cause
• Ensure shade and clean water in every field

If you’re topping up sheep-care essentials for the season, have a browse of our sheep and farmyard collections — and join our email list for calm, practical weekly reminders through the busiest parts of the year.