30 November 2007

Innovative New R&D Company receives Major Government Support to Develop Pain Relief for Farm Animals.

Animal Ethics Pty ltd, an innovative young research and development company specialising in the development of pain relief for farm animals, has secured a prestigious Australian Research Council linkage grant, with partners Sydney University and Bayer Animal Health.

"The $480,000 grant will allow us to accelerate our research into practical and effective pain management for livestock undergoing necessary animal husbandry procedures like mulesing, dehorning, castration and tail docking" says Dr Meredith Sheil, Technical Director of Animal Ethics Pty ltd.

The welfare of farm animals during husbandry procedures is highly topical and has emerged as a critical issue for livestock producers world wide. Heightened consumer awareness of the plight of animals during these procedures, (which are typically performed without any pain relief), is resulting in threats to trade, and / or the drawing of legislation to ban procedures unless analgesia is used. Several EU countries, for example, are now introducing legislation that all farm operations must be done in a pain free manner by 2012.

Unfortunately, at present, there is little that farmers can do to relieve pain in their animals. There is a critical shortage of affordable, practical, pain relief products that are registered for use in this setting.

"There is an urgent need to do the work necessary to get affordable products available for farmers to use" says Dr Sheil.

Animal Ethics Pty Ltd has already had tremendous success in this field making international and national news in recent times with its world first sheep pain treatment product, "Tri Solfen"; however Dr Sheil sees this as just the tip of the iceberg.

"Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, recognises tremendous opportunities for new pain management technologies in farm animal care around the world. We believe our ongoing research puts us in the ideal position to bring about improved outcomes for all farm animals, farmers and consumers" Dr Sheil said.

"It is extremely encouraging that the ARC has recognised the importance of this work, both in terms of animal welfare and in protecting farm trade", says Dr Sheil. I cannot stress how important it is to be proactive in this regard. I would like to encourage our farm industry groups to examine how they may also support this vital agenda.

Media contact: info@animalethics.net.au