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. 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 nearby locations. The primary instructor is Susan Schoenian, Sheep and Goat Specialist at the 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. Participants receive a laminated FAMACHA© chart and an IPM booklet of reference materials.

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," ideally late-spring to 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.

Resource Materials IPM PowerPoint Presentation (requires PowerPoint viewer) - 1.4 mb IPM PowerPoint Presentation (handout of slides, 2.3 mb) IPM Fact Sheet | Table (worms) |  | Word Table (anthelmintics) | | Word Table (coccidia drugs) | | Word Fecal Egg Analysis (PowerPoint)
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 22-May-2007 by Susan Schoenian.