American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control

Joan Burke was a Research Animal Scientist with USDA-ARS and retired in 2025. She received a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and Ph.D. from Oregon State University. Dr. Burke conducted research on small ruminants focusing on holistic gastrointestinal parasite control. She published research articles, fact sheets and contributed to outreach events on the FAMACHA© system, use of copper oxide wire particles, Duddingtonia flagrans (BioWorma or Livamol with BioWorma, a nematode-trapping fungus) and other alternatives to dewormers to control gastrointestinal nematode parasites. One of the most exciting means to control these parasites, and perhaps other diseases, is genetic selection. Parasite resistance and resilience are heritable traits which can be passed to the offspring. Data submitted to the National Sheep Improvement Program (nsip.org) on weaning and post-weaning fecal egg counts are translated to estimated breeding values, a tool to select the most resistant animals. Dr. Burke is happy to work with farmers, extension specialists, veterinarians, and industry on any of these issues.