Small Ruminant Parasite Management and FAMACHA Certification
Producers of small ruminants (i.e., sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas) are invited to attend these workshops to learn about common parasites and their management. Additionally, equine owners may find some benefit from lectures and activities as the themes around parasite resistance and pasture management applies to horses, mules, and donkeys.
Hands-on activities, such as performing a fecal egg count on a microscope and practicing the FAMACHA protocol (for barber pole worm) on live animals, will teach producers how to identify parasites to make informed management decisions. Farmers are encouraged to bring a fresh fecal sample from one animal to examine. Participants will become FAMACHA certified and can purchase an anemia index card at the workshop upon certification. Light refreshments will be provided.
Cost: Sliding scale from $50-$80.
Locations and Times
November 17, 2024
9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Wolfe’s Neck Center, 184 Burnett Rd, Freeport, Maine.
Maximum number of participants: 26.
November 24, 2024
9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Hancock County Extension Office, 63 Boggy Brook Rd., Ellsworth, Maine.
Maximum number of participants: 26.
April 19th, 2025
12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Foxcroft Veterinary Services,1441 Dexter Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.
Maximum number of participants: 15.
April 2025, date and time TBD. UMaine Machias, 116 Obrien Ave, Machias, Maine.
Maximum number of participants: 26.
Agenda
- Welcome and introductions
- Common parasites, Integrated approaches to management and prevention, and intro to FAMACHA
- Protect and prevent animals from pathogens and parasites
- Break with light refreshments
- How to use a microscope and perform fecal egg counts
- Fecal egg count exercise
- FAMACHA practice on live animals
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Sue Baez at sue.baez@maine.edu at least one week before the event. If requests are received after this date, we may not have sufficient time to make necessary arrangements.
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