Upgraded ParaBoss websites give parasites the flick

Woolgrowers looking for information to combat sheep parasites – worms, lice and flies – will now find it easier to do so, thanks to a recent upgrade of the popular parasite management websites WormBoss, LiceBoss and FlyBoss, together known as ParaBoss.

Collectively, the three Boss websites – WormBoss, FlyBoss and LiceBoss – provide woolgrowers with tailored information and promote best practice for the management of sheep parasites at the farm level.

For the first time since the original development of ParaBoss in 2014, the websites have received a major upgrade, making it easier and quicker than ever for woolgrowers to find information relevant to their region and season.

The websites have been developed and are managed by a community of veterinary experts and parasitologists from across Australia.

What has changed?

• Improved search results: Designed with simplicity in mind, the upgraded websites enable producers to select their specific region and the season they’re seeking information for, and they’ll be presented with resources tailored specifically to their needs. Woolgrowers from Queensland, for instance, when seeking information for Summer just need to select Sheep > Queensland > Summer in their respective search fields to narrow their search results.
• Intuitive tools: The various parasite risk and treatment interactive tools have been redesigned to improve their interface, making them more intuitive and streamlined so that they work faster and follow a more logical process.
• Interactive ‘find an advisor’ map: Searching for a nearby ParaBoss-certified advisor has never been easier. Producers simply choose the region of interest and a map of local advisors is generated.
• Calendar of events: To ensure producers never miss out on information crucial for managing their livestock, the new website provides details on all upcoming ParaBoss events.
• MyParaBoss: This is a new easy-to-use area for subscribers and members, where interests can be identified and changed and subscriptions to e-newsletters can be modified.

The redeveloped suite of websites is part of a broader project – funded by AWI, Meat and Livestock Australia and Animal Health Australia – which also includes a targeted and tailored livestock extension, communication, and awareness program. The aim is to ensure producers are provided with relevant and timely communications, a producer-centric website and interactive tools, as well as a national network of extension activities and accredited advisors (see opposite page).

As well as containing information for sheep producers, ParaBoss has information for cattle and goat producers. The ParaBoss suite also includes TickBoss which contains information for cattle producers about ticks.

The ParaBoss websites are set to undergo periodic reviews, which will be guided by user feedback and website analytics. The ParaBoss team is seeking user feedback, so head online, explore the information and tools, and share your feedback on the site.

More information: www.paraboss.com.au

This article appeared in the December 2022 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.