Mulesing

2007-10-16T06:57:42Z

146.195.128.174: /* Controversy */

'''Mulesing''' is the [[surgery|surgical]] removal of strips of wool-bearing wrinkle skin from around the tail of a [[sheep]].<ref name = "DPI SOP">{{cite web
|url = http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/aw-sheep/13-mulesing.htm
|publisher = New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
|date = [[March 8]], [[2004]]
|accessdate = 2007-01-09
|title = Standard Operating Procedures - sheep Mulesing
|works = teacher's notes}}</ref><ref name="Model Code">{{cite web |url = http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/22/pid/5389.htm |title = The Sheep - Second Edition |work = Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals |publisher = [[CSIRO]] Publishing |author = Primary Industries Ministerial Council |date=2006 |ISBN 0 643 09357 5 |accessdate=2007-01-09 }}</ref> Mulesing is common practice in [[Australia]], where it is expected to be phased out by 2010.<ref name = "Model Code"/><ref name="AWI 2004">{{cite web |url =http://www.woolisbest.com/documents/wool_industry%20update_Nov_2004.pdf | title = Australian wool and sheep industry – leaders in sheep care | format = pdf | date = [[November]] [[2004]] | accessdate= 2007-01-09 |publisher = Australian Wool Innovation Ltd. | author = Matthew Flugge }}</ref> It is performed as a way to prevent [[myiasis|flystrike]] (being slowly eaten alive by maggots) on farms where risk of flystrike is considered high.<ref name = "Model Code"/> Current veterinary opinion considers the practice to be a necessary compromise in providing for the general welfare of sheep in areas of [[Australia]].<ref name = "AVA 2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.ava.com.au/news.php?c=0&action=show&news_id=75 |publisher = Australian Veterinary Association | author = Jenny Palmer | date = [[17 November]],[[2004]]|accessdate=2007-01-10| title = AVA applauds industry decision on sheep}}</ref>

==History==
Mulesing is named after Mr J. W. H. Mules. While shearing a ewe which had suffered several fly-strikes, Mules's hand slipped and his [[Sheep shearing|blade shears]] removed some skin from her hind end. After performing this procedure on his other sheep, Mules noticed that it prevented the occurrence of flystrike. The procedure was refined and experimented with and demonstrated to reduce flystrike. It was approved for use in [[Australia]] in the [[1930s]]. This practice therefore greatly assists in the prevention of flystrike in the Australian environment. In Australia, it is thought that the fly primarily responsible for flystrike, ''Lucilia cuprina'', was introduced from [[South Africa]] in the nineteenth century.<ref name = "AWI Blowfly"> {{cite web |title = Battling the blowfly – plan for the future |url = http://www.wool.com.au/mediaLibrary/attachments/Publications/insight_Blowfly_211106.pdf |format = pdf | date = [[3 June]][[2006]]| accessdate = 2007-01-09 | isbn = 1920908218 | author = Jules Dorrian | publisher = Australian Wool Innovation }}</ref>

Originally, mulesing was carried out on sheep after they were [[wean]]ed because it was considered "too rough" for lambs. However, lambs appear to cope with the procedure better than older sheep as the actual area of [[skin fold]] removed on young lambs is quite small, and they are protected for an extra year as well. For young lambs older than two months, the discomfort period seems to last for approximately two weeks by which time healing is almost, if not entirely, complete. Current codes of practice ban mulesing for sheep over 12 months of age.<ref name = "Model Code" />

==Method==
While the lamb is under restraint (typically in a ''[[marking cradle]]''), the wrinkled skin in the animal's [[breech]] ([[rump]] area) is cut away from the [[perianal]] region down to the top of the hindlimbs. Originally, the procedure was typically performed with modified wool-trimming metal shears, however there are now similar metal shears designed specifically for mulesing. In addition, a portion of the tail is removed and the remaining stump is skinned. The cuts are executed to avoid affecting underlying muscle tissue.

The [[New South Wales]] Department of Primary Industries states in the Standard Operating Procedures that, "While the operation causes some pain, no pre or post operative pain relief measures are used". [[Antiseptics]] are often applied, but [[anaesthesia]] and [[painkillers]] are not required during or after the procedure.<ref name = "DPI SOP">{{cite web
|url = http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/aw-sheep/13-mulesing.htm
|publisher = New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
|date = [[March 8]], [[2004]]
|accessdate = 2007-01-09
|title = Standard Operating Procedures - sheep Mulesing
|works = teacher's notes}}</ref><ref name = "Model Code"/> Products have been approved for pain relief during the procedure, including ''Tri-Solfen''—however the use of pain relief is not currently required by Australian industry practices. The minor use permit for Tri-Solfen<ref>http://permits.apvma.gov.au/PER8660.PDF</ref> makes the product available for use by both veterinarians and sheep industry employees, such as mulesing contractors and graziers.<ref name="AVA 2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.ava.com.au/news.php?c=0&action=show&news_id=120 |title = AVA welcomes mulesing pain relief | author = Eddie Ripard | date = [[29 August]], [[2005]] | accessdate=2007-01-10 | publisher = Australian Veterinary Association }}</ref>

The non-wooled skin which is around the [[anus]] (and [[vulva]] in ewes) is pulled tight as the cut heals and results in a smooth area that does not get fouled by [[feces|fæces]] or [[urine]].

When managed according to the standards, policies and procedures developed by the CSIRO, [[lamb]]s are normally mulesed a few weeks after birth. The operation takes one to two minutes. Standard practice is to do this operation simultaneously with other procedures such as [[ear marking]], [[docking (animal)|tail docking]], and [[vaccination]]. Because the procedure removes skin, not any underlying flesh or structure, there is little blood loss from the cut other than a minor oozing on the edges of the cut skin. Lambs rarely die or become ill after mulesing.

Mulesed lambs should be released onto clean [[pasture]]. The ewes and suckling lambs should receive minimal disturbance until all wounds are completely healed (about four weeks). Observation should be carried out from a distance.<ref name = "Model Code"/>

Mulesing should be completed well before the flystrike season or else chemical protection should be provided to reduce risk to the lambs and ewes.

Lambs that are slaughtered soon after weaning generally do not need mulesing as they can be protected by chemical treatment for the short time they are at risk.<ref>
{{cite paper
| author = Morley, F.H.W., and Johnstone,I.L.
| title = Mulesing operation—a review of development and adaptation.
| publisher = Proceedings of the Second National Symposium—Sheep Blowfly and FlyStrike in Sheep, Sydney.
| date = 1983
}}</ref>

==Comparison to crutching==
Mulesing is different from crutching. Crutching is the mechanical removal of wool around the tail, anus (and vulva in ewes) and also down the inside of the hocks in breeds of sheep with woolly points where this is necessary. Crutching has to be repeated at regular intervals as the wool grows continuously.

At the time mulesing was invented, crutching was conducted with blade shears. In Australia these have been almost universally replaced with machine shears (see [[sheep shearing]]). Hand shears were being used when Mules inadvertently carried out the procedure during crutching; mulesing would not inadvertently occur using modern machine shears.

Mulesing is the removal of skin which provides permanent resistance to breech strike in [[Merino]] sheep. Other breeds tend to have less wool so close to the tail, and have less dense wool.

==Regulation==
In New South Wales, mulesing may legally be undertaken by any suitably skilled person.<ref name="Vet Act"> {{cite web | title = Veterinary Practice Act 2003 No 87 |url=http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/act+87+2003+FIRST+0+N |publisher = NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office | date = [[4 December]], [[2006]] | accessdate = 2007-01-10}} </ref> The practice is treated similarly elsewhere within Australia and New Zealand. Codes of practice describe how the procedure should be undertaken. These codes provide guidelines to assist operators in complying with the law.<ref name = "Model Code"/>.

==Controversy==

[[Animal rights]] and [[animal welfare]] activists consider unanesthetised mulesing to be inhumane and unnecessary. An additional argument is that mulesing may mask genetic susceptibility to fly strike allowing for genetic weaknesses to be continued.<ref name="Animal Liberation"> {{cite web | title=Mulesing | url=http://www.animalliberation.com.au/issues/mulesing.html | publisher = Animal Liberation (WA) Inc | accessdate = 2007-01-09}}</ref>

One study found that Mulesing increases the odds of arthritis in lambs by seven times, because the wounds give an entry point for [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae]] the organism responsible for arthritis.[http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:HcNjtZtu2p8J:https://secure.ava.com.au/content/avj/0311/03110694.pdf+mulesing]

In October, 2004, American fashion retailer [[Abercrombie & Fitch Co.]] responded to pressure from [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]] (PETA) to boycott [[Australia|Australian]] merino wool due in part to the use of mulesing in Australia. The boycott also seeks to draw attention to Australia's [[live export|live sheep export trade]]. PETA's campaign has hurt the Australian wool industry, with some American and British clothing retailers agreeing to the boycott.<ref name = "Pink2"> {{cite news
|url= http://www.smh.com.au/news/fashion/redfaced-pinks-uturn/2007/01/17/1168709798426.html
|title = Red-faced Pink's u-turn on wool ban
|date = [[17 January]][[2007]]
|accessdate = 2007-01-17
|author=[[Australian Associated Press]]
|publisher=The [[Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref>

In early November, 2004, representatives of the Australian wool industry met and voted to phase out the practice of mulesing in Australia by [[2010]].<ref name="AWGA2004">{{cite web | url=http://www.australianwoolgrowers.com.au/news2004/news081104.html | title = In the News | date = [[8 November]],[[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-01-09 | author = Peter Wilkinson | publisher = Australian Wool Growers Association }}</ref><ref name = "Model Code"/>

Peter Corish from the [[National Farmers' Federation]] said that the Australian Veterinary Association and the [[RSPCA Australia|Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]] endorse mulesing.<ref name="AgeFarmersRidicule">[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/15/1097784011310.html Farmers ridicule US wool ban] [[The Age]] October 15, 2004.</ref>

Proponents of mulesing are largely from Australia where conditions are conducive for severe fly strikes. While alternatives are available, they are not as economical. The industry's size and the number of sheep amplify the effect of cost efficiency.<ref name = "PopNZ"> {{cite web |title = A diminishing flock (infobox) | author = John Wilson | url= http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealandInBrief/Society/1/en | publisher = Ministry for Culture and Heritage | work = Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand | date = [[26 September]][[2006]] | accessdate = 2007-01-09}}</ref>

In response to protests and outrage however, many farmers in Australia and New Zealand now undergo accreditation through organisations such as the [[Livestock Contractors' Association]] to publicly verify their abilities to practice mulesing in the most humane and expert way possible.

==Alternatives==
Alternatives to mulesing must meet health standards for both the lamb and its handlers in addition to being safe for consumption as [[mutton|meat]] or [[wool|textile]].

Non-surgical alternatives currently researched:
*topical protein-based treatments (''intradermal injections'')<ref name="AWI Alternatives"> {{cite web |title = Alternatives to mulesing | url = http://www.wool.com.au/Animal_Health/Alternatives_to_mulesing/page__2050.aspx | work = Animal Health | publisher = Australian Wool Innovation | accessdate = 2007-01-09}}</ref>
*[[selective breeding]]<ref>{{cite web |title = Bare breech breeding ends NZ merino mulesing| url = http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/2006/s1905329.htm| work = ABC Rural News | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | accessdate = 2007-05-01}} </ref> <ref name = "AWI Alternatives"/>
*safe [[insecticide]]s
*biological control of [[blowflies]]<ref name="AWI Blowfly"/>
*plastic clips on the sheep's skin folds (''breech clips'')<ref name="AWI Alternatives"/>

Traditional alternatives:
*frequent cropping of wool in the breech area (crutching)
*frequent inspection and medical attention
*rearing non-merino breeds in areas particularly prone to flystrike

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.woolinnovation.com.au Australian research organisation charged with phasing out mulesing]
*[http://www.wool.com.au/Animal_Health/page__2095.aspx Animal Health (Sheep) information]
*[http://www.woolisbest.com/animal_welfare/mulesing/index.html A wool industry perspective on mulesing]
*[http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/aw-sheep/13-mulesing.htm Brief agricultural how-to description]
*[http://www.wool.com.au/Animal_Health/Alternatives_to_mulesing/page__2050.aspx Alternatives to mulesing information]

[[Category:Sheep]]
[[Category:Agriculture in Australia]]

[[id:Mulesing]]
[[fi:Mulesing]]

Art Gallery of Western Australia

2007-07-19T05:57:55Z

146.195.128.174: /* External links */

[[Image:ArtGalleryOfWesternAustralia.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Art Gallery of Western Australia.]]

The '''Art Gallery of Western Australia''' is a public gallery that is part of the Perth Cultural Centre in [[Perth, Western Australia]]. It is located in [[Northbridge, Western Australia]] across from [[Western Australian Museum]] and [[State Library of Western Australia]]. The current gallery was opened in 1979 and the history of the gallery stretches back to 1895.

== External links ==

* [http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/ Art Gallery of Western Australia website]
* [http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/ Department of Culture and Arts]

== References ==

* [http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/about_us/history.htm Art Gallery of Western Australia history]

[[Category:Art museums and galleries in Australia]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Culture in Western Australia]]
[[Category:Heritage places of Western Australia]]

{{art-display-stub}}
{{Perth-stub}}

Wikipedia - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

Mulesing

Art Gallery of Western Australia