Tests are being offered free during 2019 to assess the current level of pesticide resistance in lice populations. The tests are funded jointly by NSW DPI and Australian Wool Innovation.
The tests would otherwise cost some hundreds of dollars, and will provide you with information specific to the lice on your sheep, but will also contribute (anonymously) to the industry-wide data.
The test is only for the Bovicola ovis the common sheep body louse (more information on identification).
Samples are being accepted from all over Australia.
After shearing, the lice will progressively die because the ideal temperature and humidity will not be maintained.
The time from shearing to testing is critical to ensure enough lice survive for testing.
The laboratory will assist you to arrange overnight shipping if this is logisitically possible and not prohibitively expensive.
Call or email Narelle Sales at NSW DPI:
narelle.sales@dpi.nsw.gov.au, (02) 4640 6446.
All of the major chemical groups used for lice treatments are being tested: Spinosad, Imidacloprid, Ivermectin, Cyromazine, Dicyclanil, Diazinon and Diflubenzuron.
This project aims to determine the resistance profiles of blowflies and lice across all wool producing states. It is also gathering baseline data on newer chemicals for future reference.
The results for your property will be emailed or phoned through to you.
For lice, the process takes approximately x weeks.
Call or email Narelle Sales at NSW DPI narelle.sales@dpi.nsw.gov.au, (02) 4640 6446.
Please note that Narelle is often in the laboratory testing the flies and lice, so is not at her phone all day, you may be best to email her.