AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension have launched the 2026-2027 Parasite Patrol Tour. This multi-state educational workshop series will take place in various locations across Iowa, aiming to protect sheep flocks and goat herds across the state.
Parasites are a costly threat to livestock. Traditional sheep and goat deworming methods are losing effectiveness due to parasite resistance. This hands-on workshop is designed to help producers transition from routine, calendar-based treatments to data-driven parasite management that protects herd health and lowers input costs.
Participants will gain practical, science-based skills to improve long-term flock and herd performance, including:
- Understanding parasite life cycles and when livestock are most at risk.
- Identifying how resistance to deworming treatments develops.
- Mastering fecal egg counting to make targeted treatment decisions.
Attendees are highly encouraged to bring a fresh fecal sample from their sheep or goats (collected within 24 hours and kept cool) to use during the hands-on training.
To view all upcoming dates and locations for the 2026–2027 tour, visit Parasite Patrol.
For more information about Parasite Patrol, contact Carolyn Ihde, small ruminant outreach specialist, at carolyn.ihde@wisc.edu.
