FAMACHA Training

699 Connahetta Street,Murphy NC 28906

28 April, 2022

Description

Parasites can be a discouraging and devastating problem when tending small ruminants (sheep and goats). Parasites can be a discouraging and devastating problem when tending small ruminants. If you’ve had problems in the past or are experiencing problems now, please plan to join us for this informative workshop. Participating individuals will learn how to identify parasite problems in the herd, learn management techniques that reduce parasite load, and be trained in using the FAMACHA method of detecting anemia in small ruminants. Use of the FAMACHA© system allows small ruminant producers to make deworming decisions based on an estimate of the level of anemia in sheep and goats, which is an indicator of clinical barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) infection. The barber pole worm is the most economically important parasite affecting sheep and goat production on pasture and the most common cause of anemia during the grazing season in most of the U.S. It has a small “tooth” that lacerates the animal’s stomach (abomasum) wall, and it feeds on the blood that is released. This can result in anemia, (reduction below normal in the number of red cells in the blood) and in severe cases, death.