By Andi Anderson
Raising sheep and goats comes with many challenges, including rising production costs, changing weather, and health risks. One of the most serious health concerns for small ruminant farmers is internal parasite infection. If not managed properly, parasites can reduce animal performance, threaten animal welfare, and lower farm profitability.
Michigan State University Extension is offering an educational program designed to help farmers better understand parasite management and avoid the growing problem of drug-resistant worms. The program includes a four-part webinar series followed by an optional in-person workshop.
The webinar series will be held on Tuesday evenings from April 14 through May 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Recordings will be available shortly after each session. The sessions will cover parasites common in the Midwest and Northeast, parasite life cycles, infection risk factors, and grazing strategies that reduce exposure. Farmers will also learn about infection monitoring, proper drug use, and how integrated control programs can help slow resistance development.
A key focus of the training is understanding how repeated or incorrect deworming practices have contributed to resistant parasite populations. Farmers will learn how to apply management techniques that maintain parasite refugia and protect the effectiveness of available deworming medications.
An optional in-person workshop will take place on May 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at the MSU Sheep Teaching and Research Center and the MSU main campus. Participants will receive hands on training in the FAMACHA monitoring system and learn how to perform fecal egg counts. Attendees will receive a FAMACHA scoring card and a training certificate.
Farmers must attend or review all webinar sessions to be eligible for the workshop. Program costs are affordable, with a household fee for the webinar series and a small additional fee for workshop participation. Attendance for the workshop is limited to ensure quality instruction.
By completing this program, farmers will gain practical tools to improve herd health, reduce productivity losses, and slow the spread of drug resistant parasites. Improved parasite management supports healthier animals and more sustainable farm operations.
Farmers with questions about the program may contact MSU Extension for additional details.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension
Categories: Michigan, Education