Student Anthony Mowbray Feez reflects on his study and research at The University of Queensland's Gatton campus.
For many, the pursuit of academic achievement later in life is driven by genuine passion. In my case, this journey was prompted by a pressing need for robust, practical statistical knowledge. A shift in my professional responsibilities required me to conduct statistical analyses of field research investigating external parasites of cattle. As fate would have it, I was introduced to Professor Nigel Perkins, whose insightful mentorship inspired me to undertake MPhil research studies to further develop my statistical skills.
As an undergraduate at Queensland Agricultural College in 1979, I vividly recall the rigours of second-year Biometrics. Returning to my alma mater as a mature student and re-engaging with practical science has been deeply rewarding. The QAC motto, "Science with Practice," resonates strongly with me. In my fourth year at the College, I majored in plant protection, benefiting from the exceptional guidance of John Harden AO and his team. The mentorship of Ross Lisle, in particular, laid the foundation for a diverse career working with agricultural chemicals.
My MPhil research at the UQ School of Veterinary Science focused on two key aspects of buffalo fly (Haematobia exigua irritans) management. Adult buffalo flies are obligate, blood-feeding ectoparasites of beef and dairy cattle, now recognised as the leading disease threat to cattle in Australia. While insecticides remain the most effective means of control, regulatory restrictions and the emergence of insecticide resistance are challenging producers' ability to manage this pest. My study comprehensively assessed the development of resistance in buffalo fly populations to both organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, comparing current findings with those from the year 2000. Notably, this research was the first to include field testing for resistance to macrocyclic lactones, representing a novel contribution to the field.
In addition to resistance testing, my research explored alternative methods for assessing buffalo fly burden on infested cattle. Accurate fly counts are critical for field research, yet present a significant challenge: counting a mobile pest on a moving animal. By employing digital photography and object-counting software, my study demonstrated that buffalo fly burdens can be measured both accurately and reliably under field conditions.
Queensland Agricultural College holds a place of great importance in rural Australia. The University of Queensland’s stewardship has only enhanced the institution’s impact on Australian agriculture, with students now benefiting from practical, on-farm experiences underpinned by the prestige of a world-class university. It has been a privilege to return to Gatton College and complete these studies. In doing so, I hope to honour the legacy of my paternal ancestors, the Thomsons, pioneers of Queensland medicine – especially Dr John Thomson Jnr – who played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of The University of Queensland. I trust this work pays tribute to their enduring contributions.
