Parasite Patrol workshop being held Oct. 18 near Edgar

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is hosting a Parasite Patrol - Plus workshop for all sheep and goat producers on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Edgar Steam Show Grounds, 223755 Steam Hill Dr., Edgar.

This workshop and its two hands-on sessions focus on managing the health and production risks that intestinal parasites (helminths) pose to flocks and herds.

Topics include:

•Intestinal parasite life cycle

•Development of resistance

•Management strategies

•Fecal Egg Count (FEC) hands-on session using a fecal sample from their animals

•FAMACHA session (FAMACHA is an acronym for FAffa MAlan CHArt, a system named for its South African originator, Dr. Francois “Faffa” Malan.

The UW-Extension small ruminant specialist will demonstrate how to identify, understand, and effectively treat intestinal parasites. Worldwide anthelmintic resistance has been reported for all currently available dewormers. Using FEC and/or FAMACHAallows small ruminant producers to make selective deworming decisions.

Participants selecting the FEC session are asked to bring a fresh fecal sample from one of their animals. They will receive a McMaster microscope slide and instructions on how to perform fecal egg counts at home.

Those selecting FAMACHAwill earn their certification after practicing with the provided animals.

Pre-registration is required by Oct. 9, and is limited to the first 25 paid participants.

The cost is $25 per participant for each selected section. Participants can select the FEC and/or the FAMACHA session. The registration fee includes training materials and snacks.

For more information or help with registration, contact Sandra Stuttgen at 715-748-3327, ext. 1, or Heather Schlesser at 715-261-1230, ext. 3.