Use of Lucitrap by groups of woolgrowers to control flystrike

Abstract

Lucitrap® — a novel blowfly trapping system based on synthetic kairomones that preferentially attract Lucilia cuprina — was assessed for effectiveness using a field trial conducted in southern Queensland and field use by four groups of woolgrowers located near Stanthorpe (Traprock Wool
group), Goondiwindi, Bollon and Cunnamulla (Noorama group). The trial consisted of paired (treatment, control) groups of sheep on two properties. A total of 2149 sheep were enrolled in the trial. Trap use resulted in up to a 46% reduction in flystrike.
Lucitrap® group members were responsible for planning and implementing how the traps were used and for collecting information to assess the usefulness of the traps under commercial sheep and wool production conditions. The Stanthorpe and Cunnamulla groups were formed in 1998 and the
Goondiwindi and Bollon groups were formed in 1999. Approximately 203 000 sheep (representing >2% of the Queensland sheep population) were grazed within these groups. The group approach has provided valuable feedback on trap design and strategies for using traps. Support for the four groups ended in June 2001.