FAMACHA

Sustainable Control of GI Nematodes in Small Ruminants

FAMACHA is a diagnostic tool to help farmers identify parasite infection in small ruminants, such as sheep and goats. The tool is a chart that matches eyelid color to anemia levels, an indicator of parasite infection. This type of diagnosis allows farmers to target treatment only to infected animals, which in some systems has reduced use of deworming agents by 90 percent. Not only do farmers save money, they significantly reduce the likelihood of causing parasites to become resistant to dewormers. FAMACHA was developed in South Africa and is distributed in the United States through the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Pest Control.

Want more information? Visit SARE's database of projects and search for the term "FAMACHA."

How to Order

Please note that non-veterinarians can only purchase FAMACHA charts if they have received prior training. FAMACHA cannot be sold directly to non-veterinarians unless they have proof they have received proper instruction in the FAMACHA method. For more ordering information please send an email to famacha@uga.edu or call (706) 542-0742.

Project products are developed as part of SARE grants. They are made available with support from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within project products do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

More Small Ruminant Resources

You may be interested in these stories and resources on small ruminants, created for Southern producers but also applicable in other parts of the country:

Sustainable Control of Internal Parasites in Small Ruminant Production (fact sheet)

FAMACHA: Sustainable Control of GI Nematodes in Small Ruminants (grantee-produced tool)

A Toolbox of Innovations to Control Small Ruminant Parasites (From the Field profile)

Multi-State Resource Tool Addresses Small Ruminant Production Needs (From the Field profile)