UMaine Extension offers parasite management intensive for small ruminant producers

SKOWHEGAN, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host a Small Ruminant Parasite Management Intensive on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Somerset County Extension Office, 7 County Drive in Skowhegan. Participants will gain hands-on experience with parasite identification and management techniques while learning strategies to improve herd and flock health.

Designed for sheep, goat, llama, and alpaca farmers, beginning livestock producers, and anyone interested in improving parasite control practices, the workshop will cover common internal parasites, parasite resistance, pasture management, lungworms, and meningeal worm. Participants will learn to perform fecal egg counts using a microscope, practice the FAMACHA protocol on live animals to assess anemia associated with barber pole worm infections, and set up a Baermann apparatus for lungworm diagnosis. Attendees will become FAMACHA-certified and may purchase an anemia index card upon certification.

The workshop will help participants recognize signs of parasitic disease, interpret diagnostic tests, understand parasite life cycles, and develop evidence-based management strategies to reduce parasite pressure and improve animal health and productivity.

Registration is offered on a sliding scale of $50–$100 per person, and lunch will be provided. For more information and to register, visit the event webpage. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sue Baez at 207.667.8212 or sue.baez@maine.edu.

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.