LiceBoss is a decision support system which can help woolgrowers control lice more effectively, minimise pesticide residues and reduce the cost of lice control.

Lice cost Australian woolgrowers more than $120 million annually. They reduce fleece weight and downgrade wool quality.

In addition, there are increasing market requirements to minimise chemical residues resulting from lice and flystrike treatments, fewer control options with the recent suspension of diazinon and continuing challenges due to the development of resistance.

A new online support tool has been developed by Australian Wool Innovation to give guidance to producers when identifying, treating and preventing lice infestations.

The LiceBoss website consists of two main sections:

• ‘Tools’ section - that allows the user to enter data and find answers applicable to their property and management circumstances; and
• ‘LiceInfo’ section - that contains up to date reference material on all facets of sheep lice control.

LiceBoss ‘Tools’ section

The LiceBoss ‘Tools’ section consists of seven modules that can be chosen separately to meet your particular needs. The seven modules are:

• Short wool lice control
• Long wool lice control
• Ewe-lamb treatments
• Products
• Wool residues
• Treatment assessment
• Rubbing.

LiceBoss ‘Lice Info’ section

The LiceBoss ‘Lice Info’ section contains resource material to help design and implement an effective lice control program. The information provided covers areas including:

• Biology of lice
• Economic impact of lice
• Preventing new infestations and developing a lice biosecurity plan
• Monitoring and detection of lice
• Treatment methods - plunge and shower dipping, offshears backline treatments and long wool treatments, including jetting
• Preventing resistance
• Minimising pesticide residues
• Safe use of pesticides.

Useful links to other sites related to sheep lice are also provided.

LiceBoss consists of a number of modules that can be chosen separately to meet your particular needs. Click the TOOLS button to use LiceBoss, or the LICE INFO button to access information on lice control.

The people who made LiceBoss happen