Mulesing — surgically removing skin folds around the hindquarters of merino sheep — is a controversial practice intended to prevent flystrike. Its welfare costs and alternatives are actively debated.
Mulesing causes significant acute pain during the procedure and prolonged post-operative pain that is well documented in the scientific literature. The practice is performed on hundreds of millions of lambs globally. While it reduces flystrike risk — which is itself a serious welfare concern — the pain cost is substantial, particularly where analgesia is not used. Alternatives include selective breeding toward smooth-bodied sheep less susceptible to flystrike, targeted insecticide application, and improved monitoring. Industry and welfare organizations continue to negotiate transition timelines.