- Information Sheet -  (To End Users and Distributers)

Subject: - Buffalo fly control - which oil to use

Michael Jeffery , DPI Charleville (Reprinted with permission)

Sump oil (used engine oils) should not be used in backrubbers for buffalo fly control.

Low cost, unused engine oils are currently recommended as the best alternative. Work is being carried out to determine the most suitable substitute.

Concerns have been raised that used engine oils, both synthetic and mineral, have been found to contain a number of highly toxic contaminants some of which can cause cancers. These contaminants could be detected as residues in beef; although this has not yet happened.

Recycled engine oil may still contain these contaminants, and is also not recommended for use in fly control. In an effort to remove a possible source of contamination, and in keeping with Australia’s clean and green marketing image, sump oil is no longer being recommended.

Vegetable oils are also no longer recommended due to their palatability. There have been a number of cases of cattle licking the vegetable oil and chemical off treated animals, as well as eating the backrubber.

For more information, please contact Michael Jeffery, phone (07) 4654 4265; Email: michael.jeffery@dpi.qld.gov.au

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