Improving the performance of automatic jetting races (AJRs) for the protection of sheep from flystrike

Summary Considerable evidence indicated that Automatic Jetting Races (AJRs) were not being as effective as they should be at protecting sheep from flystrike. Ineffective wetting was believed to be a major contributory factor. To examine this issue and to endeavour to make appropriate modifications to improve AJR performance, a series of experiments were undertaken to investigate the mechanical performance of the equipment to improve their efficiency and efficacy in controlling the sheep blowfly, L. cuprina. Results indicated that significant improvements can be made. Following the release of the improved AJR design, concerns were held that the improved performance of the equipment may result in excessive pesticide residues in raw the wool. A further experiment was conducted indicating that the concentrations were no more excessive than good hand jetting when using either diazinon or cyromazine.