Early, long-term fly control can help improve productivity

Managing the fly burden before an outbreak occurs will help you prevent potential production impacts. This will often mean managing the problem before fly numbers increase to a level where they can easily get out of control.

Flies can cause economic losses in both the dairy and beef herd through reduced feed intake. This will impact productivity, as well as transmitting diseases. Studies in cattle have shown that fly worry can cause growth rate losses of up to 0.3kg a day and 0.5 litre per day reduced milk yield.

Two main fly types in cattle that are important to control are:

• Nuisance flies, which can spread disease such as New Forest eye and summer mastitis.
• Biting flies, which will affect productivity by causing irritation and can spread diseases such as Schmallenberg virus.

Product choice

When selecting a product, it is important to consider the coverage required. Whether repeated treatments are feasible, and the cost associated with extra animal handling. Aspects such as whether it is a pregnant or lactating animal being treated will also come into play.
Using a product that offers season-long control is the only sure way to protect stock during the grazing season through a single handling. Currently, the only product that has guaranteed coverage for four months with no meat or milk withdrawal period is the Flectron® fly tag.

Seven major benefits to using a season-long fly control product including:

•  Provides season long control so no need to re-treat.
•  Not having to re-treat reduces the cost of extra handling and minimises production losses associated with animal handling.
•  Gives peace of mind cattle are protected for the entire season.
• No milk or meat withdrawal.
• Used in all ages of cattle.
•  Reduces the chance of the fly population building.
• Protects against both nuisance and biting flies.

Although there are alternative and cheaper short-term fly control pour-on solutions on the market it is important to understand why they are different to the long-term solution. Their protection can be limited not always protecting against both biting and nuisance flies. For example, the amount needed varies, and meat and milk withdrawal times often apply.
Whilst they can be easier to use, repeated doses are required to maintain protection. In addition, when the dosing is incorrect coverage will not be achieved.

Regardless of product type the most important message is to be on top of the problem before flies become an issue. Once flies start appearing a population explosion will have happened making control a lot harder.
Remember, flies will impact the health and welfare of stock as well as their production. So, although fly control is an added cost at the outset, it is something that will go on to have long-term gains.

We can help with all your fly control requirements so call us on 01409 259 600 to speak to one of our AMTRA RAMA qualified team. More information can be found at Zoetis.