Controlling sheep lice will be made easier with the launch of LiceBoss, a new online support tool created by scientists from across Australia, and supported by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
LiceBoss is a computerised decision support system that helps woolgrowers estimate the probability of lice infestation, estimate the degree of wool loss and offer suggestions on available chemicals and expected residue levels.
Johann Schröder, AWI Project Manager Animal Health and Welfare, said the website is available right now.
“Treating sheep for lice can be a very expensive exercise. Lice cost Australian woolgrowers more than $120m annually, reducing fleece weight and downgrading wool quality,” said Dr Schröder.
“The LiceBoss website has information to help woolgrowers reduce that cost and manage these parasites in the most economical and beneficial way.
There are increasing market requirements to minimise chemical residues left behind from lice and flystrike treatments. Efficient control of lice requires the design of strategic and carefully planned lice control programs.
In addition to calculation modules, LiceBoss has information sheets on various aspects related to lice control, including lice biology and biosecurity.
Woolgrowers will also be able to ask specific questions relevant to their enterprise. Factors like the portion of the flock that’s infested, the severity of infestation, the reduction in wool quality and wool growth; all need to be taken into consideration.
Weighing up all these alternatives and the control methods available can be complex calculations; LiceBoss makes this easier.”
LiceBoss is a computerised decision support system that helps woolgrowers estimate the probability of lice infestation, estimate the degree of wool loss and offer suggestions on available chemicals and expected residue levels.
Johann Schröder, AWI Project Manager Animal Health and Welfare, said the website is available right now.
“Treating sheep for lice can be a very expensive exercise. Lice cost Australian woolgrowers more than $120m annually, reducing fleece weight and downgrading wool quality,” said Dr Schröder.
“The LiceBoss website has information to help woolgrowers reduce that cost and manage these parasites in the most economical and beneficial way.
There are increasing market requirements to minimise chemical residues left behind from lice and flystrike treatments. Efficient control of lice requires the design of strategic and carefully planned lice control programs.
In addition to calculation modules, LiceBoss has information sheets on various aspects related to lice control, including lice biology and biosecurity.
Woolgrowers will also be able to ask specific questions relevant to their enterprise. Factors like the portion of the flock that’s infested, the severity of infestation, the reduction in wool quality and wool growth; all need to be taken into consideration.
Weighing up all these alternatives and the control methods available can be complex calculations; LiceBoss makes this easier.”
