Farmers attend a hybrid event with online videos, classroom learning, and hands-on training.Sheep and goats are a popular livestock choice on small farms across Kentucky. Raised for their fiber, meat, and milk, they are practical, versatile, relatively docile animals. However, many beginning farmers are unaware of how susceptible sheep and goats can be to parasites. Properly identifying signs of parasitic infection, managing grazing for disease prevention, and treating livestock for effective parasite control can save lives and profit on the farm.  Sheep and goats are a small but significant slice of the agricultural market in Bullitt County, raising over $20,000 in sales in 2017 according to the USDA Census of Agriculture. Parasitic diseases that target small ruminants like sheep and goats can significantly impact livestock health and productivity, drastically reducing the profitability of small farms.

To increase awareness and improve herd health across the region, The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Bullitt County partnered with the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office to offer a Small Ruminant Boot Camp and Parasitology Clinic in April 2024. This day-long clinic provided farmers of all experience levels the opportunity to identify and practice treating common small ruminant parasites. Farmers also learned prevention methods to improve livestock health before treatment is necessary. By attending this clinic, producers learned best management practices, including effective deworming protocols, effective grazing techniques, and integrated pest management practices tailored to this region's specific challenges. Additionally, gatherings like this foster a community of shared experience between producers, specialists, and veterinarians. Ultimately, parasitology clinics like this empower producers with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard the well-being of their sheep and goats, ensuring sustainable and profitable farming practices. 

10 producers were certified in FAMACHA© ScoringReal livestock on-site means real parasites for observation!Producers practiced proper administration of dewormers and other medication.

Participants in this clinic were asked to watch several educational videos ahead of time so there was plenty of time to practice hoof trimming, body condition scoring, FAMACHA© scoring, deworming, and fecal floatation testing to observe parasite load on live sheep and goats. 17 producers participated in the clinic including one military veteran.  While 82% of participants surveyed said they lean on body condition scoring, an easy but less accurate visual inspection of the animal, for determining parasite load, 73% of participants admitted that they had never conducted a fecal flotation test, a much more accurate count of parasites. 100% left feeling more knowledgeable about fecal testing after the clinic and 77% left intending to incorporate new management practices saying they would choose more effective medication, purchase a microscope for fecal tests, improve feed quality, and manage grazing for fewer infections. Every producer in attendance got to practice conducting fecal flotation tests with real fecal samples and microscopes, in addition to practicing hoof trimming, body condition scoring, and pretending to deworm live animals. 10 of the 17 participants even became certified in the proper FAMACHA© scoring technique. In the end, 91% of participants left feeling more connected to industry organizations, resources, and fellow producers after attending this event. One producer even said, "This was an excellent clinic. I learned so much and can’t wait for the next one."Producers learned to identify parasites from fecal samples under a microscope.