A SHEEP-drenching gun, which has been radically redesigned for easier handling, has won the Australian International Design Award.
It was also nominated for the 2010 Australian International Design Awards.
The Optiline sheep-drenching gun, designed by Simco and Novartis Animal Health, allows an operator to drench a sheep more easily from the side.
Unlike the traditional drenching gun with the nozzle in the front of the barrel, the Optiline delivers dosage to the the side of the gun.
This means operators can stand behind the sheep and deliver a drench from the side, rather than from an awkward front-on position.
AIDA program director Stephanie Pemberton said a winning entry must meet six criteria including innovation, functionally, visual appeal, quality and manufacturing, human factors and environmental sustainability.
Ms Pemberton said the judges were very impressed by the improved ergonomics of the Optiline.
Developers of the Optiline, which is currently being used in New Zealand for administering Novartis's Zolvix worm drench, claim the new drenching gun is easier, faster and more comfortable to operate.
The Optiline also includes new valve technology to prevent wastage and an auto-lock dose-setting mechanism.
The new Optiline is expected to be released in Australia to coincide with the pending release of Zolvix, which is awaiting approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
