Policy
Pizzle dropping must not be performed on sheep.
Background
Pizzle dropping is a surgical procedure performed on wether lambs and weaners (under 12 months of age).
The skin between the prepuce and the abdomen is severed to allow the prepuce to hang below the wool on the belly region. Anecdotally it was used to reduce the incidence of pizzle rot and fly strike.
Some important points to note are:
- Pizzle rot and wet wool predispose sheep to fly strike.
- Justification for pizzle dropping in the past has been to reduce wool wetting and the incidence of pizzle rot (balanoposthitis — inflammation of the prepuce and penis of castrated sheep).
- However, no evidence-based trials have provided valid data to support the procedure.
- Welfare risks associated with the procedure include pain and the risk of surgical damage if the procedure is performed incorrectly.
- Pizzle dropping is not permitted under the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep (S5.7)
Date of ratification by AVA Board 27 July 2012
Updated 4 September 2017