EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University (MSU) will host a special program on small ruminant animal health, including sheep and goats. The event may include some discussion of similar grazing animals such as alpacas and llamas.

It will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in Room G150 of the MSU Veterinary Medical Center. Veterinarians and other animal health professionals as well as small ruminant owners and producers are encouraged to attend.

Nutrition will be one of the main topics. Robert Van Saun from Penn State University will discuss the latest in nutrition during the transition period between late pregnancy and early lactation, as well as mineral nutrition during all phases of production. MSU Extension Specialist Richard Ehrhardt will discuss nutrition from a large flock or herd perspective. Ehrhardt will also discuss parasite management and share the latest information on sustainable parasite control in small ruminants, according to an MSU announcement. MSU large animal veterinarian Judy Marteniuk will give a presentation on chronic diseases that affect these animals, including Johne’s disease.

Dalen Agnew, a pathologist with the MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH), will give a talk on services available to small ruminant producers through DCPAH and how to submit samples to get the best possible results. Pre-registration is required to attend the event and costs $25 per person. It includes symposium proceedings, lunch, snacks and refreshments and a conclusion reception. Registration will close on Friday, Oct. 10 at noon.

Parking for the event will be available at the Veterinary Medical Center in lot 27, and additional parking will be available for a fee at the Wharton Center parking deck on East Shaw Lane. Attendees are asked not to park in the gated Veterinary Teaching Hospital client parking areas. Instead, use the portico entrance located on the east side of the building across from the soccer field to Room G150. For more information and to register, call MSU College of Veterinary Medicine spokeswoman Hanna Leestma at (517) 353-7199 or email alumni@cvm.msu.edu