Mulesing and Sheep Farming Practices

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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason behind phasing out mulesing in New Zealand?

Mulesing was phased out to improve animal welfare and prevent unnecessary suffering to sheep.

What was the impact of crossbreeding Merino sheep from Vermont with Australian Merino sheep?

Crossbreeding led to the production of thicker, wrinkled fleeces that made sheep more susceptible to flystrike.

Who is credited with developing the mulesing technique and what was the initial discovery?

John Mules is credited with developing the technique after discovering that a sheep's scar tissue did not attract blowflies.

What consequences can arise from flystrike in sheep?

Flystrike can lead to systemic secondary infections and can ultimately result in death. Signup and view all the answers

Why do gravid female blowflies prefer laying eggs on certain sheep?

Gravid female blowflies are attracted to sheep with wounds and soiled wool where they can lay their eggs. Signup and view all the answers

What date marked the official ban on mulesing sheep in New Zealand?

The official ban on mulesing sheep in New Zealand came into effect on 1 October 2018. Signup and view all the answers

What unintended benefit was observed after John Mules' accidental cutting of a ewe's skin?

The wound healed into smooth scar tissue, which prevented blowflies from being attracted to the area. Signup and view all the answers

What historical problem did Australian sheep breeders face that led to the selection of thicker wool?

Australian sheep breeders selected for thicker fleece to capitalize on the lucrative Merino wool market, which inadvertently increased flystrike risk. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of mulesing in sheep farming?

The primary purpose of mulesing is to prevent the parasitic infection flystrike by removing wool-bearing skin around the breech of a sheep. Signup and view all the answers

How does the scar tissue formed from mulesing contribute to preventing flystrike?

The scar tissue that grows over the wound does not grow wool, making it less likely to attract flies. Signup and view all the answers

What are some concerns associated with the practice of mulesing?

Mulesing is considered controversial due to its implication for animal welfare and the pain it may cause to the sheep. Signup and view all the answers

What do the National Farmers Federation of Australia's views on mulesing reflect about its necessity?

They argue that mulesing is the most effective way to eliminate the risk of flystrike, preventing millions of sheep deaths annually. Signup and view all the answers

What stance does the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) take on mulesing?

The AVA recognizes the welfare implications of mulesing but accepts its continuation in the absence of humane alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What alternatives to mulesing does PETA suggest for preventing flystrike?

PETA suggests more humane methods such as special diets and spray washing as alternatives to mulesing. Signup and view all the answers

What was the commitment made by the Australian wool industry regarding mulesing in 2004?

The Australian wool industry committed to phase out mulesing by December 31, 2010. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is mulesing specific to certain breeds of sheep?

Mulesing is particularly common in highly wrinkled Merino sheep, which are more prone to flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Mulesing Overview

Mulesing involves removing wool-bearing skin around a sheep's breech to prevent flystrike (myiasis).
Wool around the buttocks can harbor feces and urine, attracting flies that cause flystrike.
Scar tissue formed from mulesing does not grow wool, reducing the risk of flystrike in that area.
Commonly performed on Merino sheep in Australia due to their wrinkled skin.

Controversy and Perspectives

Mulesing is viewed as a skilled surgical practice but remains controversial regarding animal welfare.
The National Farmers Federation of Australia claims mulesing is essential to prevent high mortality from flystrike (estimated up to 3 million sheep could die annually without it).
The Australian Veterinary Association acknowledges welfare concerns yet accepts mulesing in the absence of humane alternatives, advocating for pain relief and proper training for practitioners.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals considers mulesing acceptable only when the risk of flystrike is very high and as a last resort.

Criticism and Alternatives

PETA and other animal rights organizations oppose mulesing, labeling it as cruel, and promote alternative methods such as special diets and spray washing to avoid flystrike.

Industry Response

In July 2009, the Australian wool industry reneged on a commitment to phase out mulesing by December 2010.
New Zealand began a phase-out of mulesing in 2007, with an official ban enacted in October 2018.

Background Context

The Australian sheep blow fly, an invasive species, poses significant threats to sheep.
Crossbreeding of Merino sheep in the late 19th century led to the development of more wrinkled and productive fleece, exacerbating flystrike risk.
The accidental discovery of mulesing occurred in the 1930s when rancher John Mules noted the healing of a sheep's wound without recurrence of flystrike.
Mulesing involves peeling strips of skin from the sheep’s buttocks using shears, a technique now widely used despite concerns regarding animal welfare.

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