RSPCA CEO, Heather Neil, said the industry had made significant progress in developing more humane alternatives to reducing the risks of flystrike.

"The (wool) industry has come a long way in such a short period of time so it would be very disappointing if momentum was lost," she said.

“The RSPCA is fully supportive of research that is underway and urges a continuation of industry funding, particularly towards the injectable treatments, the clips, and the breeding of sheep with a naturally bare breech.

“It is important that producers continue to receive regular updates on these research developments and be provided with opportunities to actively participate in on-farm research to test the effectiveness and humaneness of each of the techniques."

Her statement follows the dramatic changes to the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) board this week.

The new board is likely to have a much bigger say in extending the current 2010 deadline for ending mulesing, if viable alternative procedures to prevent fly strike haven't been developed by then.

The RSCPA warning comes on top of PETA's threat to resume pressure on retailers to ban wool products if mulesing is not ended by 2010.

Yesterday, Matt Prescott, campaign director with People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said that, if the deadline was scrapped, then new boycotts could be initiated against retailers that refuse to stop using Australian wool. (See separate story)

RSPCA's Heather Neil said, “We know that consumers throughout the world are increasingly interested in animal welfare issues, whether they relate to food or fibre.

"So new approaches to managing the risks of flystrike across Australia are essential.

“An increasing number of Australian wool growers are responding to this, already adopting ways to combat the potentially fatal flystrike with more humane husbandry procedures and closer management.

“The RSPCA commends these producers and encourages others to stay focused on 2010, particularly with more humane approaches becoming available and the demand for higher welfare products getting stronger.

“RSPCA Australia looks forward to continuing our constructive relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as research continues into humane alternatives to mulesing.”