A major research project led by a team of experts from the University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus will help decide the future use of the key agricultural chemical diazinon, used to control ectoparasites on sheep.
Crucial data on worker exposure to the chemical has been gathered from extensive field trials treating sheep in the Stanthorpe district in Queensland and at Trangie in NSW.
Laboratory analysis of the results will contribute to an occupational health and safety assessment on diazinon by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
The project uses the combined livestock and chemical expertise of key staff from the Centre for Pesticide Application and Safety (CPAS), School of Agronomy and Horticulture, and the School of Animal Studies at UQ Gatton.
CPAS Director Nicholas Woods said more than 7500 sheep had been put through replicated trials using five different diazinon dip and jetting treatments.
The $400,000 project to gather and analyse scientific data was commissioned by Australian Wool Innovation Limited and co-ordinated by the National Farmers Federation.
It has involved collaboration with the NSW Department of Agriculture, Queensland Health Scientific Services and the University of Sydney where the internationally-recognised test protocols were developed.
The Stanthorpe field trials were held on the properties of sheep producers Brent and Margy Finlay and Scott and Margaret Finlay, Cooinda, Clive and Margaret Smith, Mulgowan, Andrew and Kate Finlay, Pikes Creek, Andrew and Helen Ferrier, Mallow and Gordon and Cathy Smith, Alum Rock.
Mr Woods said fieldwork had been under way since early November and the data gathered in NSW and Queensland would be analysed for the regulatory authority early in the New Year.
Exposure to the chemical is measured from residue captured on special patches attached to the protective clothing of field workers.
“The regulatory authorities need this data to make future recommendations on how the product can be safely used,” Mr Woods said.
“The importance of this insecticide to the sheep industry is reflected in the significant amount of industry funds which have been committed to the research.”
Media: For more information, contact Nicholas Woods (telephone 5460 1293) or Anthony Smith (telephone 0409 265 587).
