Mp. Ward et Rtf. Armstrong, TRENDS IN THE USE OF PESTICIDES AND PESTICIDE-RESIDUES ON QUEENSLAND WOOL, Australian Veterinary Journal, 76(10), 1998, pp. 694-697
Objective To determine the amounts of organophosphorous and synthetic
pyrethroid residues on Queensland wool sampled between 1995 and 1997,
and to study ii pesticide use changed during the period. Design Estima
ted amounts of residues were obtained from a survey of Queensland wool
clips, and information on pesticide use was obtained from a trace-bac
k postal survey of flock managers. Procedure Trends in amounts of resi
dues over time were assessed using analysis of variance and simple lin
ear regression models, and changes in pesticide use was assessed using
chi(2) tests. Results Significant linear reductions in organophosphor
ous (P = 0.0012), synthetic pyrethroid (P = 0.0044) and total (P = 0.0
002) residues were detected. The proportion of wool growers treating f
or louse infestation (P = 0.0046) treating twice or more (P = 0.0006)
and treating more than 4 months after shearing (P = 0.0001) decreased
between 1994 and 1997. However, the proportion of growers who treated
for blowfly strike (P = 0.0124) and used insect growth regulator pesti
cides increased (P < 0.0001). The use of handjetting to apply pesticid
es for blowfly strike control increased and the use of dips decreased
(P < 0.0001). Conclusion Residues of organophosphorous compounds and s
ynthetic pyrethroids reduced in Queensland wool between 1994 and 1997.
Although woolgrowers treated for louse infestation less, pesticide us
e to control blowfly strike increased. The increasing use of insect gr
owth regulators in the industry needs to be monitored.