NZ's fine wool sector step closer to nixing footrot

A joint project between NZM and the Ministry for Primary Industries is using genetic testing to identify fine-wool sheep with resistance to footrot. Photo / Sarah Ivey

New Zealand's fine wool sector is a step closer to eradicating footrot through the use of genetics, the NZ Merico Company (NZM) said.

A joint project between NZM and the Ministry for Primary Industries is using genetic testing to identify fine-wool sheep with resistance to footrot, and researchers are now close to developing a simple test for growers to eliminate footrot using selective breeding, NZM said.

It is estimated that footrot costs New Zealand's fine wool sector up to $10 million each year in lost productivity and treatment. NZM chief executive John Brakenridge said finding an answer to reduce footrot in fine wool flocks would significantly improve the sector's profitability.