07/31/2025
Warning: Graphic post!
🐄💔 Fly Strike in Calves: A Harsh Reminder of Summer Challenges on the Farm
This sweet little heifer calf is only a week and a half old, and already fighting for her life. We’re sharing her story to shed light on the very real struggles livestock face during the peak of summer.
This is the least ideal time for calving, with relentless heat, high humidity, and one of the worst fly seasons we’ve had in years. While cows can calve year round, the summer elements bring added risks, especially for the most vulnerable.
After not seeing her for two days (which is not uncommon with mama hiding new babies), we set out to find her and discovered her deep in the woods. What we found was heartbreaking—covered in maggots and fly eggs, a condition known as fly strike. This occurs when flies lay eggs in moist or irritated areas of the skin, and the hatching larvae begin feeding on living tissue. It’s fast, aggressive, and DEVASTATING. Oftentimes in newbornes their sticky wet p**p can be a nesting ground, but we have kept a very close eye on this. Even with her bum clear, they still made a home
We immediately called our vet for an after-hours phone visit and did everything in our power to clean, treat, and comfort her. Thanks to quick intervention and round-the-clock care, she is now nursing well and showing her fighting spirit.
She’s not out of the woods yet, but with a close eye, supportive care, and a whole lot of hope, we’re pulling for her to make a full recovery.
🌱 Please remember: nature is both beautiful and brutal. Farmers face these hidden battles every day to give their animals the best life possible. We are grateful this tiny girl has such a stong fighting nature!
Thank you to our vet Dr Jen, our good friends at Limestone Farm for always being there to support us and my bestie for picking up the antibiotic shots for us. It takes a village 💕
