Cattle can become stressed by flies, especially biting flies. They can be such a nuisance that it may have a direct impact on the bottom line. Milk production in dairy cows can be reduced, and calf growth can be negatively affected. Therefore, it makes good sense to control flies in the barn. However, since January 1, 2022, this has become somewhat more difficult in organic herds.
The use of fly sprays or other chemical agents against flies is not permitted in an organic cattle herd, so it may be necessary to control flies in other ways.
Medicines against flies were previously allowed to be used freely, and while their use in organic cattle herds is not banned, they can no longer be used preventively. In addition, a veterinarian must now prescribe their use based on need.
