Keeping small ruminants healthy focus of April 13 workshop

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Building awareness of disease and learning screening techniques for sheep, goats, alpacas and other small ruminants is the focus of the second annual small ruminants health workshop 1–4 p.m. April 13 at the Foxcroft Large Animal Veterinary Associates (FLAVA) Clinic, 1441 Dexter Road.

Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension and FLAVA, topics include common diseases and screening techniques for small ruminants. Catarina Ruksznis, DVM, FLAVA large-animal veterinarian, will lead the discussion.

UMaine Extension livestock specialist Colt Knight will demonstrate and certify attendees in the FAMACHA diagnostic technique, and participants are encouraged to bring fecal samples from their animals. Live demonstrations will be held in the barn. Participants must dress for the weather and wear shoes that can be disinfected on-site. Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The workshop is free, online registration is required at extension.umaine.edu/register/product/2nd-annual-keeping-small-ruminants-healthy-clinic-april-13th-1-4-p-m. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 564-3301 or extension.piscataquis@maine.edu.