The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) Cooperative Extension Equine Program Team is offering a full day seminar designed to help horse owners make sense of the parasite puzzle. "Piecing Together the Equine Parasite Puzzle" will be held Feb. 4, 2012, at the Eden Resort and Conference Center, located at 222 Eden Road, Lancaster, Pa. The cost of $55 per person includes all instruction, hand-out materials, and lunch.

Until recently, the common method of reducing parasite infections in horses was to rigorously deworm horses every 6 to 8 weeks. Since there are only three major classes of deworming agents available, resistance to these drug classes is increasing and cases of resistant parasites are now being reported worldwide. Horses move frequently from state to state and often internationally as well and may move resistant parasites to new farms.

This one-day seminar will feature top specialists and researchers in the field who will review the life cycles of the parasites and will explain how resistance occurs. The speakers will also discuss the effects of rainfall, temperature, pasture rotation, and manure composting on parasite infection. Participants will learn how to prepare a slide and perform fecal egg counts and will be able to work with their veterinarian to develop a program targeted for their specific farm situation