Trials of mulesing alternatives identify issues for further development
12 Mar '07
2 min read
Ms Dorrian said that whatever the eventual outcome of the various strands of the sheep blowfly control R & D program, there would never be one "silver bullet" solution to the management of blowfly.
“Growers currently use a number of control measures in conjunction with mulesing, depending on their location. These include jetting, crutching, flytraps and higher levels of flock inspection during peak periods of blowfly activity.
"An integrated approach will need to continue beyond 2010. However growers will have the assistance of progress in areas of biotechnology and genetics which will deliver better tools for blowfly control and the potential to breed sheep with less wool coverage in the breech.
"These longer term results from the R & D program will complement the delivery of alternative mulesing procedures like the clips and intradermal injection."