Independent Panel to Review AWI's Genetics Research

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has announced that a six-member panel of experts will convene shortly to review the Australian wool industry’s progress in researching and developing genetic alternatives to mulesing.

The panel could potentially make a positive contribution to the ongoing work in the area of genetic alternatives to mulesing. AWI is pleased that this group of independent experts will come together and broadly review the company’s progress in identifying and harnessing the genetic factors that will allow sheep producers to select and breed sheep that are more resistant to breech fly-strike.

Genetics is one important element of AWI’s whole R&D program, which also includes ‘clips’ and intradermal injection research and product development. The independent panel will review AWI’s genetics research and make recommendations, where possible, for additional R&D initiatives and for fast-tracking activities.

In the June 2007 settlement with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), PETA agreed to stop illegal secondary-boycott activities. As part of that settlement, AWI agreed to the panel’s establishment.

Source: Fibre2fashion.com