Information for retailers

Recognising the issue

Mulesing is a necessary practice recognised by the pre-eminent animal welfare body in Australia, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and the Federal and State Governments. Although the process is unpleasant, an immediate end to mulesing would condemn millions of sheep to being eaten alive by maggots.

How Australian farmers care for their sheep

The Australian wool industry has a positive reputation around the world for its animal husbandry practices with the industry's success being based upon producing healthy and contented animals. Animal health practices include shearing, foot pairing and feet care, drenching for worms, dipping for lice, crutching, vaccinations, nutrition (pasture management and supplements) and birthing assistance.

Taking the initiative

The wool industry recognises the importance of developing alternative flystrike prevention methods and has been working on chemical and genetic solutions for some time. This research makes up a significant component of the A$10 million the industry has invested in related R&D programs.

For more information about alternative flystrike prevention measures and what Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is doing to minimise flystrike in the Australian sheep flock view:

* Australian Merino Wool - What you need to
  know about the world's finest fibre (226Kb pdf).

* Condensed Information Kit for Retailers
  (477Kb pdf)

* Full Information Kit for Retailers
  (830Mb pdf)

* Beyond the Bale: Road to 2010 Supplement
  Read the latest updates on mulesing
  alternatives (June 2008, 1.3Mb pdf).

* Progress of mulesing alternatives
  Find out more information on the progress of
  AWI's R&D on mulesing alternatives
  (August 2008, 126Kb pdf).

* Road to 2010 - Fact Sheet (545Kb pdf).

* Battling the Blowfly - How AWI is helping
  develop tools to minimise flystrike.

* The AWI website.

 

Mulesing phase out by 2010

The Australian wool industry has resolved to phase out mulesing by 2010. An immediate ceasation of mulesing without viable alternative flystrike prevention measures available, would have catastrophic consequences and result in the painful death of an estimated 3 million sheep from maggot infestation.