Intestinal parasites in goats and sheep can significantly impact the health and performance of a herd or flock. From decreased production to a compromised immune system, goat and sheep owners of all types can struggle with high parasite loads.

Carolyn Ihde, the Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension ↗️, is hosting “Parasite Patrol,” workshops in Iowa highlighting intestinal parasite management for sheep and goat producers.

Extension colleagues are excited to share this workshop to equip producers with tools and strategies to help curb intestinal parasites in their flocks. Topics for this event include: 

• Intestinal parasite life cycle 

• Development of resistance 

• Management strategies 

• Hands-on experience with fecal egg counts (FEC) using a fecal sample from their animals 

Goat and sheep producers of any size flock are welcome to attend, but pre-registration is required. This workshop will provide attendees with a greater understanding of intestinal parasite load, its effects, and how to treat it effectively. Participants will also leave with a McMaster microscope slide and instructions to perform more at-home fecal egg counts.  

Locations, Dates, and contact information for Iowa Workshops 

Winneshiek County Extension Office

2316 Sweet Parkway Road
Decorah, IA 52101 

• August 5, 2025
  1:00 – 4:30 pm 

• Please contact Allie McIntyre at alliemc@iastate.edu
  (563) 382-2949 for more information. 

Henry County Extension Office

27 North Main Street
Mt Pleasant, Iowa 52641 

• September 24, 2025
  3:00 – 7:00 pm 

• Please contact Kristen Brinck at kbrinck@iastate.edu
  (319) 385-8126 for more information. 

Jefferson County Fairgrounds

2606 W. Burlington Ave.
Fairfield, Iowa 52556  

• September 25, 2025
  1:00 – 4:30 pm 

• Please contact Courtney Burkhalter at cburk@iastate.edu
  (641) 472-4166; or

• Maggie Hougland at maggieh2@iastate.edu
  (641) 664-2730 for more information. 

Boone County Extension Office

1327 SE Marshall Street
Boone, IA 50036 

• September 26, 2025
  1:00 – 4:30 pm 

• Please contact Ben Wilson at btwilson@iastate.edu
  (515) 432-3882 for more information. 

Cost & Registration

Registration for each event is $30 and includes the McMaster’s slide. For more information, including the complete agenda, fees, and registration form, please sign up for the Parasite Patrol email list and you will receive a message once registration is online and available.