17 August 2026. Boyd Webb, Sheep, Wool and Goats President.
The Australian Veterinary Association’s (AVA) decision to change their policy on mulesing and support a time bound phase out and review of the national sheep standards has reopened discussion about the practice.
Following their internal policy change, animal rights groups like Animals Australia, Australian Alliance for Animals, Four Paws Australia and Humane World for Animals wrote to government requesting a set deadline to phase out mulesing in the shortest possible timeframe and a national pathway to accelerate the flock-wide transition to breeding flystrike resistant sheep.
AgForce’s Sheep, Wool and Goats Board recognises mulesing as an important tool for producers to reduce the risk of flystrike in their flock. Flystrike is an extremely painful and potentially fatal condition, capable of devasting sheep flocks. Preventing sheep from experiencing it is an animal welfare responsibility for producers.
AgForce strongly supports the use of pain relief during the process. This is standard best practice and is an immediate and practical way to improve animal welfare. Producers should also continue monitoring the full range of available flystrike management practices available, including via breeding, crutching, shearing and appropriate chemical treatments.
The industry is making progress towards breeding sheep with reduced breech wrinkle and greater natural resistance to flystrike, but genetic improvement takes time and cannot replace existing management tools in all circumstances. Queensland producers operate across a range of environments and production systems both intensive and extensive and they are well placed to determine the most appropriate management practices for their sheep.
Policy on mulesing must be based on evidence and recognise the important role mulesing plays in preventing flystrike in sheep across the country. Unfortunately, elements of the campaign to ban mulesing are being driven by ideology rather than practical understanding of sheep production practices.
Organisations with little understanding of sheep production should not be dictating policies that affect the welfare of sheep and the viability of family farming businesses.
It is also worth recognising that consumers already have choice. Australia produces a significant volume of certified non-mulesed wool, and those who oppose the practice can actively support producers supplying that market by purchasing certified non-mulesed wool products.
AgForce will always advocate for an approach that ensures producers retain the tools they need to protect their livestock and operate sustainable businesses whilst supporting improved animal welfare outcomes.