Factors affecting the incidence of flystrike in sheep – a description and analysis of data from three separate areas in eastern Australia

This paper presents a brief review of the factors affecting flystrike (cutaneous myiasis) as background to the on-going analysis of information on strike incidence, flock management, weather conditions and fly abundance in three discrete sheep grazing areas in eastern Australia (Flinders Island, Gunning and Inverell). These data were assembled in the late 1980s early 1990s as part of a program aimed at the development of a strike management model. Information on weather, fly abundance and flock management was provided weekly by 30-40 graziers in each area over 3-4 years. Sheep data were collected using a questionnaire survey providing information on flock size, drenching practice, crutching, shearing, dagging, number of animals checked for strike, number struck in each age class and the type and method of insecticide usage.