FlyBoss: a web-based flystrike information and decision support system

Abstract

The FlyBoss system consists of comprehensive information on flystrike management and control, programs for assisting decision making, and sortable lists of products for preventing and treating flystrike. Readily accessible, up-to-date, best-practice information on flystrike is essential for effective, humane and economic management of flystrike by Australian wool producers, particularly those who are phasing out mulesing and those looking to adopt optimal insecticidal fly-control strategies. FlyBoss provides information on breeding and management to reduce flystrike susceptibility, effective methods of treating existing flystrike and flystrike prevention programs. The FlyBoss decision aids, which are based on simulation models and incorporate local weather data and sheep susceptibility factors, can assist sheep farmers who wish to optimise sheep management, chemical treatment and non-chemical options to minimise the risk of flystrike. FlyBoss also contains comprehensive information on fly biology, sheep and environmental factors associated with flystrike and information on appropriate chemicals for various situations. FlyBoss draws on expertise from organisations throughout Australia to provide the sheep industry with easily accessible, current and locally targeted information on flystrike management. The present report briefly describes the development of FlyBoss and associated workshops and provides an overview of current recommendations for the control and prevention of flystrike.