About ParaBoss

ParaBoss is a not-for-profit organisation that unites and manages WormBoss, FlyBoss and LiceBoss.


These resources provide sheep producers and industry professionals with practical and cost-effective recommendations to control sheep parasites.

The WormBoss, FlyBoss and LiceBoss web sites are sources of detailed management information, regional programs and decision support tools that assist sheep producers to manage the major parasite risks for sheep.

They have been developed by expert panels of parasitologists and veterinarians from across Australia.


WormBoss, FlyBoss and ParaBoss were developed by the Sheep CRC. LiceBoss was developed by Australian Wool Innovation. 


Since the development phases of these resources was completed, an ongoing home was needed to manage and improve them. To do this, the Sheep CRC created the ParaBoss project and licenced it to the University of New England.

Australian Wool Innovation and Meat and Livestock Australia have jointly provided initial funding to run ParaBoss and the WormBoss, FlyBoss and LiceBoss resources.

During this initial post-development phase, ParaBoss is also charged with seeking ongoing external funding to continue the operation of WormBoss, FlyBoss and LiceBoss into the future for the benefit of the Australian sheep industry.

Who runs ParaBoss?

The Sheep CRC has licensed the operation of ParaBoss to the University of New England.

ParaBoss actively engages with the Australian sheep industry to ensure a unified and national approach to sheep parasite control.

ParaBoss has two part-time staff members (2 days per week each), who are employed through UNE:

  • Executive Officer—Deborah Maxwell
  • Technical Manager—Lillian Mukandiwa

Other work is contracted, including:

  • ParaBoss News Editor—Maxine Murphy
  • Web site hosting and maintenance—Wrightway Design

Governance and technical input

A Steering Committee oversees the strategic direction of ParaBoss.

A Technical Committee ensures the content provided to industry is independent, proven and practical.

Why advertising?

ParaBoss is developing long-term relationships with the sheep animal health industry. In the post-development phase, ParaBoss is offering advertising to gain external revenue and foster these long-term relationships.

The web sites and e-newsletter already have a reputation for providing high quality, reputable information to a very specific target audience, therefore, they are an attractive place to advertise products relevant to that audience.

Additionally, ParaBoss seeks external income from other sources, including contract development of parasite management resources for other parties and licencing the use of its Boss logos on relevant products.