By JONATHON HOWARD
EARLY trials of two technologies currently used to treat human conditions warrant further research as potential flystrike prevention alternatives, according to Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
Over the last 18 months, AWI has conducted early scoping studies using liquid nitrogen and laser treatments and AWI and researchers have concluded both treatments deserve further investigation.
Flystrike prevention is AWI’s top research priority and since 2005, AWI has invested $45 million in animal health and welfare research, development and extension (RD&E), including over $26 million on flystrike prevention.
Liquid Nitrogen has shown a proof of concept with the technology demonstrating the potential to reduce wrinkle scores and increase bare area on both the tail and breech of treated animals, with minimal welfare impacts.
The trials have been conducted by Steinfort AgVet Pty Ltd, Victoria.
Three scoping studies have used liquid Nitrogen in the same way it is used when removing unwanted skin conditions in humans: freezing the treated area which subsequently forms a scar that lifts off over subsequent weeks. The result is a tightening of the surrounding skin and the reduction in wrinkle.
A scoping study using laser treatment to potentially remove wool from around the breech and tail have not yet demonstrated a proof of concept. The research has been conducted by Zeta LLC of Colorado, USA and while not successful to date, the potential this alternative offers warrants further investigation according to AWI.
The laser treatment is similar to that used to remove human hair and treated animals have shown minimal discomfort with the application.
The AWI Managing Breech Flystrike Manual is available at www.wool.com/flystrike or by phoning the AWI Helpline on 1800 070 099.
