Effectiveness of a synthetic lure to reduce blowfly strike incidence: preliminary observations

The effectiveness of a synthetic lure system (Lucitrap((R))) to reduce blow fly strike incidence was assessed in a held trial conducted on two properti es located in southern Queensland, Australia. Nine hundred and fifty sheep were randomised to treatment (one or more Lucitrap((R)) per 100 sheep) and control paddocks. Sheep were physically inspected for flystrike each month between August 1999 and May 2000, On one property, the risk of flystrike in the control group was 1.86 times (95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.90) grea ter than that in the treatment group. On the other property, two cases of f lystrike were detected in the control group, but no cases were detected in the treatment group, These preliminary observations suggest that the use of Lucitrap((R)) can reduce the incidence of blowfly strike by up to about on e-half. Blowfly traps have a role in controlling flystrike in circumstances in which sheep are susceptible to flystrike and the likelihood of flystrik e occurring is at least moderate. The use of fly traps could assist the Aus tralian wool industry to meet targets of reduced pesticide use. (C) 2001 El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.