MORE than 1000 primary producers have logged on to the FlyBoss website since its launch two months ago.

The increased use is in the lead-up to this year's fly season.

The internet-based FlyBoss allows sheep producers to quickly obtain solid information about breeding and managing sheep to reduce the risk of flystrike.

The resource has been developed by the Sheep Co-operative Research Centre for Industry Innovation, along with partners Australian Wool Innovation, Meat and Livestock Australia, Sheep Genetics and state departments of primary industry.

Senior veterinary parasitologist Dr Brown Besier said FlyBoss drew on the latest research information and the successful experiences of researchers and producers.

"Sheep can be affected by breech strike or body strike, or both," Dr Besier said.

"Reducing the risk of fly strike requires an integrated, planned approach.

"This involves combining a management program of shearing, crutching, chemical application and perhaps breech modification with the breeding and selection of less-susceptible sheep.

"The chosen mix of strategies will vary between producers, depending on type of sheep, location and enterprise."

Dr Besier said it was widely appreciated that breeding sheep with less susceptibility to flystrike took time.

"Flystrike prevention is a complex issue," he said.

"However, there are many people who have successfully changed their approach or are planning to do so.

"The FlyBoss website provides the background and the techniques, plus stories from producers who have made the change.

Flystrike has been a major concern for sheep producers for many decades, ever since the Lucilia cuprina blowfly arrived in Australia in the early 1900s.

Recent estimates are that, each year, treatment costs and lost production due to flystrike cost the industry $280 million.

Sheep CRC industry training leader Lu Hogan said the website would become a key tool as farmers planned for the fly season and implemented breeding strategies.

"Importantly, FlyBoss can help develop a plan and schedule for any sheep enterprise in any location," Ms Hogan said.

The information in FlyBoss is supported with training workshops delivered nationwide.

FlyBoss emulates the success of LiceBoss and WormBoss, which attract thousands of visitors every month.