​Maryland Small Ruminant Page

Since 2003, Susan Schoenian has been teaching workshops on Sustainable Integrated Parasite Management (sIPM).  Workshops are typically four hours in length:  two hours lecture/discussion and two hours hands-on instruction (FAMACHA scoring and fecal egg counting). Participants in the workshops receive a FAMACHA© card and become certified in the use of the FAMACHA© system. Certification is limited to participants 16 years of age and older.

 

sIPM workshops cover all aspects of internal parasite control, including alternative forages, genetic selection, host immunity, management, nutrition, pasture rest and rotation, zero grazing, fecal egg analysis, FAMACHA©, and proper anthelmintic use. Participants also receive a booklet containing reference materials.

 

To schedule a FAMACHA© training, contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu. Workshops can be held at a farm or public facility. They can be hosted by extension, an organization, school, or farmer. There are currently no workshops scheduled.

 

You can also find a list of upcoming workshops and certified FAMACHA© instructors on the web site of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC). The web site is maintained by Susan Schoenian.

 

Dr. Ray Kaplan's lab at the University of Georgia is the US sole distributor of FAMACHA© cards. In order to receive a FAMACHA© card, producers must attend a training. Veterinarians may purchase cards directly from the University of Georgia.