FLYSTRIKE Meaning and
Definition
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Flystrike is a term commonly used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry to refer to a condition caused by the infestation of flies on an animal's body, particularly on its skin and wool. In flystrike, specific types of flies, such as blowflies and bluebottles, lay eggs on the animal's skin or in areas where there is soiling or moisture, attracting the flies. These eggs then hatch into larvae, also known as maggots, which immediately start feeding on the animal's tissues.
The condition usually occurs in areas where animals are kept, such as farms and livestock habitats, especially during warmer months or in regions with high fly populations. Flystrike is a significant risk for animals with poor hygiene, open wounds, urine or fecal soiling, or excessive wool, as these provide a favorable environment for fly infestation.
Flystrike poses serious health concerns for animals as the maggots cause extensive skin damage, tissue necrosis, and may penetrate deeper into the body if left untreated. It can lead to infection, blood poisoning, pain, and in severe cases, even death.
Preventive measures include regular inspection and cleaning of animals, particularly their vulnerable regions, as well as the use of repellents, dusting powders, or insecticidal sprays to deter flies. Animals with wool, such as sheep, may undergo shearing to decrease the risk of flystrike. In cases of flystrike, immediate treatment is essential, involving the removal and destruction of maggots, wound management, administration of antibiotics, and further protective measures.
Common Misspellings for FLYSTRIKE
- dlystrike
- clystrike
- vlystrike
- glystrike
- tlystrike
- rlystrike
- fkystrike
- fpystrike
- foystrike
- fltstrike
- flgstrike
- flhstrike
- flustrike
- fl7strike
- fl6strike
- flyatrike
- flyztrike
- flyxtrike
- flydtrike
- flyetrike
Etymology of FLYSTRIKE
The word "flystrike" originates from the combination of two words: "fly" and "strike".
The term "fly" comes from the Old English word "fleoge", which itself has Germanic roots. Over time, it has evolved to its current form, referring to insects belonging to the order Diptera, which includes flies. The word "fly" can also be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "pleu-", meaning "to flow" or "to float", which likely represents the aerial movements of flies.
The term "strike", in this context, refers to an action of attacking or hitting. It has Middle English origins from the Old English word "strīcan", meaning "to go, move swiftly" or "to move suddenly". It has developed various meanings over time, including hitting with force or performing a sudden attack.
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