Surveys to assess the amount of pesticide in wool and the use of pesticides by woolgrowers in Queensland

Abstract

Objective: To measure the amounts of pesticide residue in wool grown in Queensland between 1997 and 1999, and to describe the use of pesticides for the control of lice infestations and blowfly strike in Queensland sheep flocks.

Design: Pesticide residues were measured in a random sample of wool from Queensland clips offered for sale during 1998 and 1999. Information on pesticide use was obtained from a trace-back postal survey.

Procedure: Samples taken from wool lots were tested for the presence and amount of organophosphorus (OP), synthetic pyrethroid (SP) and insect growth regulator pesticides. A questionnaire seeking information on flock characteristics and pesticide use was sent to the manager of each flock from which a wool sample was tested.

Results: The mean amount of OP and SP residue was 2.0 and 0.8 mg/kg, respectively. Ninety-five and 98% of wool samples contained <9 mg/kg and 7 mg/kg of OP and SP residues, respectively. The mean amount of cyromazine, diflubenzuron and triflumuron was 12.7, 5.8 and 13.0 mg/kg, respectively. The amounts of OP, cyromazine and triflumuron residues were greater in wool from flocks located in southern Queensland.

Conclusion: Most (95%; 95% CI,92–97%) Queensland wool clips grown between 1997 and 1999 meet the suggested Australian maximum acceptable residue amounts for OP and SP pesticides.