If you've never heard of the act called "mulesing" then you probably don't work in the wool business. The term refers to a surgical procedure which is done on sheep to remove "strips of wool-bearing wrinkle skin from around the breach". It's a controversial practice that is done primarily in Australia and is currently being phased out because of opposition by animal welfare experts.
As a result, the people who work in this industry are on the search for alternatives that will let them achieve the same effects as mulesing without engaging in the practice. Interestingly, the technology that is used on humans for treatment of varicose veins just might be the answer that these wool growers are seeking.
The Australian Wool Innovation group is researching the possibility of using a just-below-the-skin injection composed of the same chemicals used to in vein treatment injections (such as sclerotherapy).
Question of the Day: Do you believe that the same kindness used in treating humans for varicose vein problems should be used by woolgatherers in Australia?
