2007 Internal Parasite Management (IPM) Workshops

Internal parasites (gastro-intestinal worms) are the number one health problem affecting sheep and goats in the Mid-Atlantic area. The barber pole worm is usually the parasite of primary concern. Because worms have become resistant to many of the anthelmintics (dewormers) producers use, a more integrated approach to internal parasite control is necessary.

To help producers develop integrated parasite management (IPM) programs for their farms and flocks, Maryland Cooperative Extension will be holding Internal Parasite (IPM) Workshops for sheep and goat producers in various Maryland counties and other locations. The primary instructor is Susan Schoenian, Sheep and Goat Specialist at the University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research & Education Center.

In addition to teaching the basics of internal parasites and their control, the workshop will teach proper anthelmintic use and provide hands-on training in doing fecal egg analyses and using the FAMACHA© Eye Anemia Guide to determine the need for deworming individual animals. Participants will receive a laminated FAMACHA© Guide.

IPM workshops include two hours of lecture plus two hours of hands-on training with fecal egg analysis and FAMACHA©. Registration fees are typically $25 per farm or family to cover the cost of the FAMACHA© card, an IPM reference booklet, and other supplies.

The only way to receive a FAMACHA© chart is to participate in an approved training. Trainings can be held anywhere where a group of producers is interested in learning. Workshops should be held during barber pole "worm season," from late-spring until early-fall.

IPM Workshops:

Fecal Egg Counting Workshops:

Contact an extension agent in your county or region if you're interesting in having an IPM workshop or presentation. Organizations and clubs may also host workshops. Workshops need to be scheduled during prime "barber pole worm season," (May-September), so that worm eggs can be found in fecal samples and varying degrees of anemia can be observed in live animals. Click HERE for more FAMACHA© training opportunities.

Resources Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (SCSRPC) FAMACHA© for the control of internal parasites in small ruminants [PPT] Fecal egg analysis [PPT] Integrated parasite management (IPM) [PPT] Integrated Parasite Management (IPM) in Small Ruminants Internal parasite control - Sheep 201
The FAMACHA© system identifies animals for treatment by comparing the color of the lower eyelid to the five colors (scores 1-5) on the FAMACHA© eye anemia chart.
Last updated 10-Apr-2007 by Susan Schoenian.