Sheep and Goats

FAMACHA© and Integrated Parasite Management

Internal parasites (worms) are the primary health problem affecting small ruminants (sheep goats, and camelids). Due to dewormer resistance, it is no longer recommended that animals be treated preventively. Only clinically-parasitized animals should be dewormed. FAMACHA© is a decision-making tool for deworming small ruminants. It estimates the level of anemia (blood loss) in the animal. Anemia is the primary symptom of barber pole worm infection. In order to get a FAMACHA© card, you must take an approved training and become FAMACHA© certified. Because of Covid, online FAMACHA© certification is now available. It consists of watching a presentation (YouTube video) passing a quiz (70%), and making a video demonstrating proper FAMACHA© scoring technique.

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The Junior Sheep & Goat Skillathon

The Junior Sheep & Goat Skillathon is always held on the Sunday of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is always held the first full weekend of May at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland.

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