Parasites continue to plague many sheep and goat producers throughout the grazing season. Internal parasites decrease growth rates and in high levels can even cause death. However, sheep and goat producers can follow several practices to minimize the impacts to their flock or herd. These practices center on grazing management, but can also include genetic selection principles. Read full article from the Sheep Site
Parasitism impacts grazing behavior. Parasitized animals reduce their intake of pasture. These changes are potential indicators of disease. The technology now exists to measure animal activity on pasture. Scientists are using the available technology to determine whether physical activity can be used to access the impact of gastro-intestinal parasites. New Zealand researchers measured body weight, fecal egg count (FEC), and overall activity in two groups of Romney x Suffolk lambs. All lambs were given anthelmintics at the start of the experiment. Half the lambs (n=12) were given anthelmintics every 14 days. The other half (n=12) did not receive further treatment. After 42 days of grazing a c
Members of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control who have laboratories are offering low cost ($5 per sample) fecal egg counting for the purpose of genetic improvement through the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) or to determine fecal egg count reductions (to determine dewormer resistance). The results will be provided as numbers only with no interpretation or consultation. Learn more
In March 2016, the University of Rhode Island began offering online FAMACHA© certification. Due to the restrictions imposed by Covid 19, several other institutions began offering online FAMACHA© certification in 2020. Online FAMACHA© certification is a multi-part process. It usually involves watching a video on integrated parasite management and proper FAMACHA© technique. There is usually follow-up to the videos: a survey or quiz. Participants are required to make a video demonstrating proper FAMACHA© technique. Once course requirements are met, a Certificate of Competence is issued and the participant is eligible to purchase a FAMACHA© card. University of Rhode Island University of Marylan
