Real-time updates on blowfly risk – produced via an ongoing collaboration between Elanco and NADIS (National Animal Disease Information Service) – now show the risk level as remaining 'High' across most of the country, with only a couple of areas downgraded to 'Medium'.

Despite a slight fall in risk levels, the high blowfly population still remains a threat.

Frequent reports of blowfly cases continue to be added to the Elanco Blowfly Strike Tracker from across the country.

Richard Wall, professor of zoology (ectoparasite specialist) and compiler of the Blowfly Risk Alerts said: "This is probably the most difficult period to accurately forecast blowfly strike risk during the year, because although fly populations remain high, egg laying and maggot survival are highly dependent on the weather.

"If it remains warm through September, risk will remain high, and because many of the treatments applied in early summer are approaching the end of their period of residual protection, a warm wet autumn can lead to a big increase in strike cases.

"The strike risk should still be viewed as 'high' throughout most lowland areas of the UK, but with appropriate note taken of the changing weather."

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“We are at the mercy of the weather, so it’s best to apply a treatment that gives you the best coverage," said independent sheep veterinary consultant, Dr Fiona Lovatt. “The costs of inaction when it comes to blowfly strike far outweigh the costs of protection – the time to act is now.”

The consequences of blowfly strike can be devastating, leading to production losses and welfare problems. By comparison, preventing blowfly strike using a long-lasting product can offer not only peace of mind but can also be economical in terms of time, money and effort.

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