Small Ruminant Health Superheroes Assemble

If you’re a small ruminant producer, you know that internal parasites present serious challenges to your animals’ health and your farm’s bottom line. But did you know there’s a group working on your behalf to find sustainable methods of controlling these nefarious nematodes? They’re called the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC). They’re the small ruminant industry’s Justice League, and NCAT’s own Margo Hale, Linda Coffey, and Dave Scott are members.

The ACSRPC is composed of researchers, veterinarians, and educators from across the country, and they come together a few times each year. Representatives from Fort Valley State University, Langston University, Louisiana State University, North Carolina A&T University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Missouri, University of Arkansas, and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) attended the meeting, as well as two consultants/educators who have sheep operations in northwest Arkansas.

Members reported on their research into ways to control anthelmintic resistant worms, including bioactive forages, various forage/parasite trials, and genetic and breeding values. They also discussed new research needs and ideas.  The group outlined training modules and videos that will incorporate parasite management into a holistic small ruminant production outreach plan.

Adapted from the National Center for Appropriate Technology