Dr Johann Schroder, AWI Project Manager Animal Health and Welfare, said cage dipping of sheep using diazinon is one of a number of lice control alternatives AWI is researching. “Despite being used for decades, there have been increasing concerns about Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues linked to the use of this chemical,” said Dr Schroder.
“In 1999, the APVMA identified a gap in OH&S data on diazinon which threatened its continued use. AWI and peak woolgrower body, WoolProducers, have worked together to fill this gap through research and consultation, without which the registration of diazinon would likely have been suspended much earlier.”
“Together with research aimed at reducing dependence on chemicals for parasite control, this announcement gives woolgrowers some confidence there will be options available.”
AWI has invested more than $5.4million in research for chemical and immunological control of parasites. AWI Deputy CEO, Les Targ said AWI remains committed to serving the needs of woolgrowers by balancing research into the use of diazinon with the need to safeguard farmers' health and wellbeing.
“AWI has worked with industry groups for a considerable time on the issue of diazinon, and we are continuing to do so,” said Mr Targ.
“We will be conducting further research into the ways diazinon can be applied safely, but for the time being cage dipping appears to offer the safest option to enable woolgrowers tocontinue using diazinon to control sheep lice.”
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
