Mt. Pleasant, Iowa — Goat and sheep producers across Southeast Iowa will have the opportunity to sharpen their herd health management skills at Parasite Patrol: Mastering Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Goat Herds and Sheep Flocks, a hands-on educational workshop aimed at improving livestock well-being through practical parasite control.
The program, offered through a collaboration between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, will take place Tuesday, September 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Henry County Extension Office. A light snack will be provided.
Internal parasites are among the most persistent and damaging health challenges facing small ruminants, and this training will give producers the tools to address them effectively. Participants will gain first-hand experience in fecal egg count (FEC) techniques — a valuable method for monitoring parasite levels and guiding targeted treatments.
Workshop topics include:
- How to conduct fecal egg counts on the farm
- Understanding parasite lifecycles and drug resistance
- Identifying common parasite eggs using microscopes
- Implementing integrated parasite control strategies
By learning and applying FEC methods, producers can reduce unnecessary deworming, measure treatment effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions that protect animal health and improve productivity.
Because space is limited to allow for in-depth, hands-on participation, early registration is encouraged.
For more information or to register, contact the Henry County Extension Office at 319-385-8126.