Mulesing-free

Mulesing is a controversial method that is (unfortunately) traditionally used in sheep farming and wool processing. Its aim is to prevent a disease called myiasis or flystrike in sheep, especially in the merino breed. It is painful, but so is mulesing itself. Mulesing-free is a procedure that does not involve this painful method. Look for this label at your favorite merino clothing manufacturer!

The mulesing method involves surgically removing the skin around the sheep's tail. This procedure reduces moisture in this area while minimizing the risk of flies, which are the cause of the disease. Sadly, mulesing is performed without anesthetic and unnecessarily increases the suffering of the sheep, which is the subject of criticism from animal rights activists and informed consumers.

Fortunately, the media coverage of this problem is growing, and with it the pressure for more ethical sheep farming. Many manufacturers of clothing and equipment made of merino wool, some of which are also represented by their products at Rigad.com, are increasingly starting to use "mulesing-free" methods when obtaining valuable natural material for their products. Farmers are gradually switching to methods that reduce the risk of sheep infection with myiasis and at the same time reduce pain and stress in farmed animals.

1) Breeding more resistant breeds. Some breeds of sheep have a natural resistance to flystrike than others. Therefore, farmers are starting to prefer these breeds, which have a lower risk of infection without the need for painful procedures.

2) Selective breeding. Another option for less suffering in farmed sheep is selective genetic breeding, the result of which can be sheep with fewer folds on the skin. Sheep without these folds retain less moisture and are therefore made less attractive to flies.

3) Regular care and hygiene. More frequent shearing and cleaning of sheep, especially in critical areas of their bodies, can again be a suitable prevention. Although such a procedure is more time-consuming and slightly increases the cost of processing the wool and thus the price of this material, it is an effective and humane solution.

4) Use of natural repellents. Some farmers use natural remedies to repel flies and reduce the risk of infection. This is a method that is much less invasive than mulesing and still highly effective.

There are several certifications that guarantee ethically-minded consumers that the wool in their products comes from farmers who do not practice mulesing. These certifications make it easier to choose and increase transparency in the industry. Specifically, this is the global standardized certification RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), which is only awarded to farmers who meet animal welfare criteria.

There are also various local certifications for wool obtained without mulesing or ZQ Merino, which is specifically a certificate for ethical merino sheep farmers in New Zealand. The emphasis is on sustainability and animal health.

There are major fashion brands that have committed to using ethical wool. The trend for ethical farming and a humane approach to sheep is likely to gain momentum, including in Australia, where mulesing has probably been the most widely used.