UMaine Cooperative Extension Schedules Parasite Detection Workshops for Goat and Sheep Producers
Contact: Richard Brzozowski, 207-780-4205
TLAND, Me. — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will present workshops for sheep and goat producers at locations around Maine this spring and summer. Participants will learn how to perform a FAMACHA test, a relatively new on-farm technique to determine the degree of internal parasite infestation in sheep and goats.
The cost to receive the training, including the FAMACHA color scoring card, is $20 per farm.
Register for specific trainings by calling the UMaine Extension office in Cumberland County at 1-800-287-1471 (in Maine) or 207-780-4205, or e-mailing Andrea Herr at aherr@umext.maine.edu. Include name(s) of person attending, mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number.
“FAMACHA was developed in South Africa to help control H. contortus (barber’s pole worm) in sheep and goats, and is specific to this parasite,” explained Extension Educator Richard Brzozowski. The trainers for these workshops include Brzozowski and Dr. Tom Settlemire, professor emeritus of Bowdoin College. Attendance at only one session is necessary to receive the FAMACHA training. Workshop participants will learn how to recognize the parasite, how to test with accuracy, and why the test works.
Remaining workshop locations and dates:
Sunday, June 24, 2:00 p.m., Garden Path Farm, Newry (this site is also hosting a farm tour for goat producers that day.)
Saturday, July 28, 2:30 p.m., Stoneheart Farm, South Paris (this site is also hosting a sheep field day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)