Tests: Are Your Lice Resistant to Chemicals?

Tests conducted during 2019-20 assessed the current level of pesticide resistance in lice populations. The tests were funded jointly by NSW DPI and Australian Wool Innovation.

The test is only for the Bovicola ovis the common sheep body louse (more information on identification).

Samples were accepted from all over Australia.

All of the major chemical groups available at the time for lice treatments were tested: Spinosad, Imidacloprid, Ivermectin, 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.