Merino Sheep Welfare and Mulesing in Australia

Mulesing is a surgical procedure involving removal of skin folds around a merino sheeps breech to prevent blowfly strike. It is performed without anaesthesia in most Australian flocks, causing significant acute pain and prompting international welfare campaigns.

Key Facts

Approximately 70% of Australian merino lambs are still mulesed, typically at 2-8 weeks of age
Mulesing removes skin from around the breech and tail, creating a smooth area less susceptible to flystrike
The procedure is typically performed without anaesthesia or pain relief
Pain indicators persist for at least 48 hours post-mulesing and likely longer
Alternatives including selective breeding for plain-bodied sheep and topical insecticide treatments exist

Welfare Considerations

Mulesing without pain relief causes severe acute pain evidenced by elevated cortisol, abnormal posture, and avoidance behaviour. Wounds take weeks to heal and are themselves susceptible to infection and flystrike during healing. The primary justification is preventing the greater suffering of flystrike, creating a genuine welfare trade-off. However, the scale and routine nature of unmedicated mulesing, and the availability of alternatives, make pain management the minimum welfare standard.

What You Can Do

Choose wool certified as non-mulesed (ZQ Merino, Responsible Wool Standard certified)
Support campaigns by RSPCA Australia and Four Paws for mandatory pain relief during mulesing
Advocate for investment in selective breeding programs to produce plain-bodied merinos
Ask clothing brands about their wool sourcing policies
Support research into more effective and welfare-friendly flystrike prevention