Fly Control
Time to Prepare: The Hidden Cost of Flies in Your Cattle Herd
As temperatures begin to rise, flies become an active threat to the health, productivity, and welfare of both beef and dairy cattle. Often underestimated, flies do far more than irritate your herd — they spread disease, reduce feed efficiency, trigger behavioural changes, and ultimately hurt your bottom line.
At FarmVetServices.co.uk, we urge farmers to act before fly populations explode. Proactive management is far more effective than waiting until you’re battling outbreaks.
🚨 The Real Problems Flies Cause in Cattle
Disease Transmission
Flies are not just a nuisance — they’re mobile carriers of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Here are some of the key diseases and health problems linked to flies:
📌 Mastitis (in dairy cattle)
Spread by: Headflies and biting flies
Impact: Flies transmit bacteria directly to the udder, increasing the risk of environmental mastitis
Cost: Reduced milk yield, increased SCC (somatic cell count), and veterinary costs
📌 New Forest Eye (Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis)
Spread by: Face flies (Musca autumnalis)
Impact: Painful eye infections, weeping, blindness in severe cases
Cost: Weight loss due to poor grazing, treatment costs, welfare concerns
📌 Summer Mastitis
Spread by: Headflies (Hydrotaea irritans)
Impact: Affects dry cows and heifers, leading to swollen, infected udders and permanent teat damage
Cost: Loss of future productivity in breeding stock
📌 Wound and Navicular Infections
Spread by: Biting flies attracted to open wounds or navels in young calves
Impact: Flystrike, slow healing, secondary infections
🐄 Fly-Induced Stress and Behavioural Changes
Even when no disease is present, fly pressure significantly affects cattle behaviour and performance:
🐮 Reduced grazing time: Cattle spend more time tail flicking, stomping, and bunching together than feeding
🐮 Increased energy expenditure: Constant movement to avoid flies leads to weight loss
🐮 Milk drop: In lactating cows, stress and reduced feed intake mean lower yields
🐮 Physical injuries: Stampeding or crowding at water sources or shaded areas can lead to injuries
💸 The Financial Impact
Unchecked fly infestations can lead to:
🚫 Loss in daily live weight gain (DLWG) in beef cattle
🚫 Milk yield reduction in dairy cows
🚫 Fertility issues due to stress and disease
🚫 Higher vet bills from treating avoidable infections
🚫 Long-term losses in herd performance and productivity
🕒 Early Action = Long-Term Control
Effective fly control isn’t just about reacting — it’s about planning ahead. Acting before fly numbers peak ensures better animal health, stronger growth rates, and improved profits.
At FarmVetServices.co.uk, we’re here to help you:
🧠 Understand fly breeding cycles and pressure points
🐄 Monitor your herd for early signs of fly activity
🧴 Develop a tailored fly management plan for your farm
🧼 Implement hygiene and environmental control measures
📞 Speak to our team today about preparing your farm for fly season.
Protect your cattle’s health, comfort, and productivity — because doing nothing could cost you more than you think.