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Sheep & Goat Parasite Seminar

August 31st, 2011

Extension expert and sheep producer with sheep in barn; photo by Edwin remsbergFAIRFIELD, MAINE — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is partnering with sheep and goat associations in the state to present the Sheep and Goat Internal Parasites Seminar on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Kennebec Community College in Fairfield, Maine.

This educational event will feature Maryland’s Small Ruminant Specialist Susan Schoenian and is designed to equip producers with skills and knowledge about the identification and management of internal parasites. “Parasites are the biggest health problem for sheep and goats in Maine,” says UMaine Extension Educator Richard Brzozowski. “Parasites of sheep and goats are costly and can easily put someone out of business. For an efficient and profitable sheep or goat enterprise, parasite control needs to be deliberate and persistent.”

The cost of the Saturday seminar is $30.00 per person and includes lunch and reference materials. See the list of sheep and goat producer associations below to find out if you qualify for a $5.00 per farm discount to the seminar.

Registration Form [PDF; Word]
Registration deadline: October 14, 2011.

To request special accommodations, contact Colleen Hoyt at (207) 781-6099 or (800) 287-1471 (in Maine), or colleen.hoyt@maine.edu. UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. To provide adequate time to respond to your request please provide as much notice as possible.


Seminar Outline
Internal Parasites in Sheep and Goats

I. Parasite biology (life cycles, signs and symptoms, pathogenicity)

a. Helminths

i. Nematodes (roundworms)

  1. Primary importance – barber pole worm
  2. Secondary importance– scour worms
  3. Other – lungworms and meningeal worm

ii. Cestodes (tapeworms)

iii. Trematodes (flukes)

b. Protozoan

i. Coccidia

II. Integrated parasite management (IPM)

a. Host immunity

b. Pasture and grazing management

c. Nutrition

d. Management

e. Genetics

f. Selective deworming (part IV)

III. Diagnostic tools – determining type and degree of infection and need for Tx.

a. On-farm

i. Animal

  1. FAMACHA© system
  2. Five Point Check©

ii. Fecal

  1. Simple fecal flotation
  2. Fecal egg counts

b. Laboratory

i. Blood

  1. Packed cell volume

ii. Fecal

  1. Simple fecal flotation
  2. Fecal egg counts
  3. Lectin staining test
  4. Larvae culture (coproculture)
  5. Larval development assay (DrenchRite®)

IV. Anthelmintics (drugs)

a. Anthelmintic classes

b. Anthelmintic resistance

c. Proper anthelmintic use

d. Coccidiostats

e. Alternative or natural “anthelmintics”

f. What’s new (or coming) in parasite control?


Goat and Sheep Producer Associations

The following associations are helping to sponsor the 2011 Sheep and Goat Internal Parasites Seminar. Membership in one of these associations equates a $5.00 per farm discount to the seminar.

Boer Goat Breeders of Maine, Ramona Stinson-Treasurer, 7 John Small Road, Bowdoin, ME 04287, (207) 353-6928, minimtestate@yahoo.com

Coastal Caprine (Mid-coast area), Lynn Ryan, 223 Tyler Road, South China, ME 04358, 207- 445-2912, dolittlefarm@netzero.net

Eastern Cashmere Association, Pamela Haendle, 10601 Merrill Road, West Edmeston, NY 13485, pamela.haendle@bnymellon.com

Heart of Maine Dairy Goat Association (Bangor Area), Julie Cox, President, 381 Main Street, Corinth, ME 04427, (207) 285-0939, cox2166@roadrunner.com

Maine Sheep Breeders Association, Richard Brzozowski -Treasurer, 525 Cobb’s Bridge Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260, (207) 926-3310, richard.brzozowski@maine.edu

Southern Maine Dairy Goat Association, Robert Cassette –Treasurer, 17 Berry Road, Saco, ME 04072, 207-284-6440, chateaume@aol.com

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