Current WormBoss News - January 2010

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• New South Wales
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Read the previous WormBoss news here.

About WormBoss

For the most comprehensive and effective management of worms, WormBoss represents AWI’s collective knowledge of the management of internal parasites and the reduction of their resistance to drenches.

Worms cost Australian sheep producers more than any other animal health problem.

For most sheep producers, sustainable management and control of sheep worms are essential for future prosperity.

WormBoss is a tool that has been developed by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) and the Australian Sheep Industry CRC (Sheep CRC) in order to help producers maximise the timing and effectiveness of drenching and other worm management practices.

The aim of WormBoss is to reduce drenching and minimise the onset of drench resistance while increasing animal productivity and profitability.

WormBoss was created by leading Australian parasitologists, researchers, extension officers, consultants, drench manufacturers and drench resellers.

WormBoss is composed of two main sections:

1. Ask the Boss
   Ask the Boss is designed to help producers consider all the key issues when making a decision to drench or not drench a mob of sheep. In the Ask the Boss section, users enter key information such as the their regional location, the class of sheep in question, any worm egg counts, the existence of drench resistance data, climatic issues, and the availability of low worm paddocks. WormBoss uses this information to generate a concise report that highlights key issues and options that woolgrowers can use to make decisions and take action against worms.
   


2. A reference section
   The reference section contains the world's most comprehensive guide to Australian worms and worm-related issues with information on:

• worm management; 
• available drenches and their properties; 
• common sheep worms, their life cycles, effects, diagnoses and treatments; and 
• sheep breeds and their relationships to sheep worms.

WormBoss recommends four general management practices:

• Monitor worm populations using worm egg counts to detect infestations early.
• Do regular drench resistance tests so you know which drenches are effective on your property.
• Maximise the use of non-chemical management strategies.
• If you are unsure of anything - seek professional advice.

As you use WormBoss, you will see how you can use these practices to reduce costs, improve sheep health and productivity and increase profitability.

The people who made WormBoss happen

WormBoss was developed by the Australian Sheep Industry CRC and Australian Wool Innovation.