AWI releases mulesing alternatives

NATIONAL: Sydney-based wool marketing group Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has admitted fast tracking a research development program to develop viable alternatives to mulesing.

During a speech to nearly 200  weavers and spinners during a trip to Hong Kong, AWI chief executive Craig Welsh reiterated his commitment to the industry to phase out the practice of mulesing by 2010.

Welsh said there were a number of alternatives being considered with the most promising of these being clips, intradermal injection and breeding.

Encouraging trials had been conducted last year in regard to clips while a commercial company had been engaged to come up with an available solution in terms of the injection option, he said.

The news comes following a very protracted public battle with animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and just weeks after a meeting with high street retailer H&M who expressed concern at the practice used to protect sheep from flystrike.

Welsh said manufacturers and retailers throughout his trip - which took in India, Hong Kong and China - had stated they needed confidence from the Australian wool industry that the practice would be phased out.

"From both an international and retailer perspective we need to listen to our customers and the industry needs to work together to provide solutions so that we can uphold the success of Australian merino."