In research that could have international significance, Queensland scientists may have developed a way to control sheep lice using environmentally friendly biopesticides.
(Media-Newswire.com) - In research that could have international significance, Queensland scientists may have developed a way to control sheep lice using environmentally friendly biopesticides.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said researchers had achieved excellent results using a naturally occurring fungus called Metarhizium isolated from Queensland soil.
“Livestock industries, including sheep, are extremely important to our economy,” the Minister said.
“Parasites such as sheep lice damage wool and reduce yields, leading to significant losses for the producer.”
“Lice cost the Australian wool industry $123 million annually through lost production and control costs.
“Trials conducted by a QPIF Senior Scientist Dr Diana Leemon have shown the fungus caused a significant reduction in lice numbers on sheep.”
Mr Mulherin congratulated Dr Leemon and her team and said the research using fungus to treat sheep lice could have major ramifications throughout the world.
“There are no treatments of this type currently available and there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly lice control,” he said.
“Significantly, the trials found the biopesticide protects fleece from the damage caused by lice attack, ensuring producers get higher prices for their wool, boosting our local economy.
“Given Australia’s reputation for being clean and green, it’s no surprise our scientists have looked to Mother Nature for environmentally friendly and sustainable controls.”
Dr Leemon said considerable research was required to select the best strain of fungus and to develop a suitable method for application to sheep.
“We also investigated how the fungus kills lice,” she said.
“When the fungal spores are applied to the sheep, they stick to the surface of lice as they move around in the fleece.
“The lice also consume spores as they feed on wool grease and the spores germinate inside the insect, killing it.
“We’re hopeful the techniques involving the application of fungal spores to control parasites on sheep could also be used in other livestock industries.”
“QPIF and Australian Wool Innovation Limited ( AWI ) have signed an agreement with commercial partner, Becker Underwood Australia to develop the biopesticide.
“Becker Underwood Australia will conduct field trials required for the fugal biopesticide to be registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority ( APVMA ).”
AWI CEO Brenda McGahan said the research was timely as sheep lice are building resistance to some current treatments.
“Producers are reporting sheep lice are becoming a major problem, particularly following a recent ban on the use of the effective insecticide diazinon in a wet dip.
“The findings could put Australia on the world stage in terms of its research, and also boost our wool and sheep industry,” Ms McGahan said.
Becker Underwood Australia Managing Director Richard Waterworth said the company field trials would involve applications by dipping and jetting and would be conducted to APVMA registration guidelines.
“There is an urgent need for a product of this type on the market and throughout the world,” Mr Waterworth said.
“Given the increasing demand for low residue and organic wool, we believe this form of lice management will become mainstream.”
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