By Andi Anderson
Sheep producers across Iowa will have a chance to boost their knowledge of parasite control this August and September through the 2024 Parasite Patrol Roadshow.
Organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, the roadshow offers hands-on training sessions to help producers deal with parasite resistance issues.
Carolyn Ihde, small ruminant outreach specialist with both universities, leads the initiative. She emphasizes the rising concern of anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants like sheep and goats.
“In the U.S., resistance has been documented for all three major classes of dewormers. Once resistance is established, it is difficult to reverse,” Ihde said.
The roadshow teaches producers to apply integrated parasite management strategies that help preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments. Participants will learn to use fecal egg counts and FAMACHA scoring to assess sheep health and determine targeted treatments, rather than relying on blanket deworming.
Key workshop topics include identifying parasite signs, pasture management, maintaining refugia, and conducting fecal egg count reduction tests. These tools are essential in reducing parasite pressure while protecting drug efficacy.
Four workshop locations are scheduled:
- Aug. 5 in Winneshiek County (1–4:30 p.m.)
- Sept. 24 in Henry County (3–7 p.m.)
- Sept. 25 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds (1–4:30 p.m.)
- Sept. 26 in Boone County (1–4:30 p.m.)
Registration costs $30 and covers all training materials. These sessions offer a practical way for Iowa sheep producers to improve animal health and long-term productivity.
More information and registration details can be found online under "Parasite Patrol: Mastering Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Goat Herds and Sheep Flocks in Iowa."
Photo Credit: istock-globalp
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle