DESPITE being much later than normal for such warnings, farmers are being alerted to the fact that conditions are ideal for fast and potentially devastating cases of blowfly strike to occur.

In the next few weeks of September, according to the MetOffice, unsettled weather and above average temperatures should prevail across most of the UK, following the recent wet weather, which will continue in the far north. It is common for blowfly strike to be particularly prevalent in warm weather and in damp fleeces.

Also, evidence suggests the season for blowflies is getting longer and more severe. Indeed, cases of fly strike have been reported as late as November in recent years.

Fiona Lovatt, senior vice-president of the Sheep Vet Society, said this week: "The timing and severity of strike is strongly influenced by the weather, which is becoming more unpredictable. These changing patterns of climate in the UK and Ireland are predicted to extend the length that parasites are abundant and many farmers are already reporting cases of strike occurring as late as October.

"We advise farmers to use a narrow-spectrum preventative treatment, dependent on the weight of the lamb and considering meat with-hold times. This method of treatment ensures that once applied the sheep are protected for a period of time.

"Every case of fly strike on a farm has a significant cost to both finances and welfare, but cases of fly strike do not have to be inevitable. With the right strategy and the right products in place at the right time of year, the risk of fly strike is dramatically reduced."

Fly strike can be prevented through the use of preventative treatment products. Using an insect growth regulator (IGR) with FleeceBind technology offers protection against strike by ensuring the treatment first spreads, and binds strongly to the fleece, providing full fleece protection.

CLiK and CLiKZiN are the only products with FleeceBind technology, with the former providing the longest duration of cover at 16 weeks, while the latter has greater flexibility with a seven-day short meat withhold, ideal for marketing lambs.