Cattle producers have a new online resource with the latest information on control of ticks, buffalo fly, worms and lice.

Biting flies can cause production losses due to lowered weight gain, lowered milk yield and permanent hide damage.

With parasites costing the cattle industry more than $350 million a year, www.paraboss.com.au has the latest information on parasite control.

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries scientist Jess Morgan said with parasites costing the cattle industry more than $350 million every year, ParaBoss was an invaluable resource.

“ParaBoss is a one stop shop with the latest information on how to best manage ticks, buffalo flies, lice and worms,” she said.

“For some time now, sheep and goat producers have had access to this information using ParaBoss, and it’s now been updated to include parasites of cattle.

“There is content relating to a range of cattle production systems with information on the biology, treatment and management of parasites as well as the latest advice on preventing the build-up of chemical resistance.

“This new resource provides annual treatment programs broken down by region and incorporates feedback from producers to ensure it meets their needs, and includes a Products Search tool for producers to identify treatment products to suit their situation.”

Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) General Manager, Research, Development and Adoption, Michael Crowley, said ParaBoss for cattle followed the successful model constructed by the sheep industry to develop a go-to website for parasite management in Australia.

“ParaBoss aligns parasite management resources for beef producers into an existing successful framework used by sheep meat producers,” Mr Crowley said.

“While still offering regionalised integrated pest management strategies, ParaBoss for cattle parasites has consolidated Australia’s best practice cattle parasite management resources into one centralised national database.

“With parasites costing the Australian cattle industry hundreds of millions of dollars a year, and ineffective use at times of preventative and control measures leading to ongoing problems, ParaBoss for cattle provides practical information and management strategies that can ultimately save producers time, money, and deliver improved animal welfare and productivity outcomes.”

Co-funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), ParaBoss for cattle is a collaboration between the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, University of New England, and the University of Queensland. It has been prepared and endorsed by technical experts.