Extension’s Role in Parasite Control

SUSAN SCHOENIANSheep & Goat SpecialistUniversity of Maryland Extension

DR. NIKI WHITLEYExtension Animal Science SpecialistNorth Carolina A&T State University

Cooperative ExtensionConnects research and knowledge of land grant university to public

TeachingMorrill Act

1862, 1890, 1994

ExtensionSmith-Lever Act

1914

ResearchHatch Act

1887

Land grant university system

Internal parasitism

• Primary health problem affecting small ruminants in most regions of the United States.

• According to NAHMS• 9.6% of sheep losses

> 14% in Eastern U.S.• Primary cause of death in

goats, more than 3x next three leading causes.

Internal parasitism

• Traditional method of control has been to administer anthelmintics (dewormers).

• Worms have developed varying degrees of resistant to anthelmintics in all three chemical classes.

• A group of scientists, veterinarians, and extension specialists whose mission is to

1) Develop novel methods of sustainable control of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants; and

2) Educate stakeholders in the small ruminant industry on the most up-to-date methods and recommendations for small ruminant parasite control.

Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control

• Established in 2003 to address the growing problem of anthelmintic resistance in the small ruminant industry.

American

American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control1. Since 2003, Consortium

members have received grant funds in excess of $3.5 million to support mission of consortium.

a) Research Document anthelmintic resistance Validate FAMACHA© system for

use in United States Novel methods of parasite control

• Copper oxide wire particles• Sericea lespedeza

b) Extension (outreach) is an important component of all grant-funded projects.

Web site established in 2004scsrpc.org acsrpc.org wormx.org control worms.org wormcontrol.org

Timely topics (monthly)

Information and research pertaining to sustainable GI parasite control

Certified FAMACHA© Instructors

FAMACHA© Workshops

Train-the-trainer curriculum

FAMACHA© WorkshopsSmart Drenching, Integrated Parasite Management (IPM)

• At the core of consortium’s outreach effort.

• First workshops held in 2003.

• 29,000 FAMACHA© cards sold since 2003.• More than 40 states• Caribbean, Latin America

Workshop impacts• Two formal

evaluations since 2003.

1. Northeast (n=70)2. Midwest

Southern (n=729)

• Mailed and internet surveys

Workshop impacts

Using FAMACHA Deworming less Saving money0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

91%

78% 76%

95%

74% 75%

2004 2009

Future extension role • More workshops• More states• Camelid producers

• Online training• Producers• Veterinarians• Animal health

professionals• Students

Thank you for your attention.

Do you have any questions or comments?