Released September 1, 2009
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University Research and Extension will host three workshops around the state to train producers in the FAMACHA system of worm management in sheep and goats.
The workshops are scheduled Sept. 8 in Dodge City, Sept. 22 in Salina and Sept. 29 in Burlington.
FAMACHA is a system that not only helps control stomach worms (Haemonchus contortus), but also helps producers decide which goats and sheep need treatment, said Brian Faris, sheep and goat specialist with K-State Research and Extension.
“Stomach worms are the biggest parasite problem in sheep and goats in the United States,” Faris said. “Anthelmintics have been overused, used incorrectly and are ineffective on many farms. The usual system has been to treat all sheep or goats in a flock or herd, even if only a few need it. By reducing the amount of treatment, we reduce the development of anthelmintic resistance.
It is named for its originator, Francois Malan, a South African livestock parasitologist concerned with the problems of worm control in the large sheep and goat industries of that country, he said.
A pre-registration fee of $15 is required to guarantee a FAMACHA packet. Producers can register by contacting Faris at 785-532-1255 or 785-313-4918 or e-mail brfaris@ksu.edu.
The date, time, location and person that producers should contact with questions about directions or the facilities are:
- Sept. 8 – 5:30 – 9 p.m. – Ford County Fairgrounds, Dodge City – Andrea Burns, aburns@ksu.edu or 620-227-4542;
- Sept. 22 – 5:30 – 9 p.m. – Saline County Fairgrounds, Salina – Carl Garten, cgarten@ksu.edu or 785-309-5850; or
- Sept. 29 – 5:30 – 9 p.m. – Coffey County Fairgrounds, Burlington – Darl Henson, dhenson@ksu.edu or 620-364-5313.
An evening meal will be provided for a minimal cost at all three workshops.
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http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/ksrenews/story/worm_control090109.aspx
Source: Brian Faris, 785-313-4918, brfaris@ksu.edu
Writer: Mary Lou Peter, mlpeter@ksu.edu
