Internal and External Parasites

The roundworm, stomach worm, and coccidiosis are the most significant internal parasites that affect goats. Animals become infested by grazing on pastures contaminated with droppings from other infested animals. Use several pastures in rotation because parasite carryover can be markedly reduced by resting pastures for 30 to 60 days between grazing. Treat newly purchased animals for internal parasites using a vet recommended wormer.

Coccidiosis can cause severe problems in goats, especially those managed in confined conditions. Goats managed under these conditions should receive a coccidostat regularly in their feed. Treatment of coccidiosis with anthelmintics is not effective. If you suspect coccidiosis, consult your vet.

Symptoms of parasite infestation include a general rundown condition, rough hair coat, loss of weight, poor appetite, diarrhea, and anemia. If you suspect your goats are infested with internal parasites, collect fecal samples and take the samples to your vet. Examination will determine the type and degree of infestation and recommended treatment.

External parasites including lice, sheep ticks, mites, horse flies, bot flies and mosquitoes might present serious problems. These pests are most prevalent in the spring, summer, and fall but can be a problem throughout the year. There are many good sprays and pour ons available from your local agri merchants or vet.

SOREMOUTH (ORF )

Soremouth is a contagious disease that causes formation of scabs on the lips and around the mouths of goats. This virus can affect humans, so be careful when working with goats with soremouth. A live virus soremouth vaccine, available as a preventative measure, is applied to a small scratched area in the fore or rear flank or in the ear. Few medicines help in the actual treatment of soremouth. Iodine can be rubbed into lesions after the scabs are removed to help dry up the area and reduce the infection.

TETANUS

Tetanus (lock jaw) is a disease usually resulting from a wound infection. The disease is caused by a powerful toxin produced by a bacterium that grows in the absence of oxygen. The first sign of tetanus is a stiffness about the goat's head; the animal often chews slowly and weakly and swallows awkwardly. Also, the goat's third or inner eyelids protrude over the forward surface of the eyeballs. The animal shows violent spasmotic reactions with the slightest movement or noise and usually remains standing until close to death. All ages are susceptible, but kids weakened due to castration or dehorning are more susceptible to tetanus. Tetanus is hard to treat, and death occurs in more than 50 percent of the cases. Contact your veterinarian immediately; keep infected goats as quiet as possible. Tetanus antitoxin might help if administered early, but prevention is the best policy. Reduce the incidence of wounds, apply sanitary and proper wound treatments, and vaccinate with tetanus toxoid immediately after dehorning or castration surgery.

OVEREATING DISEASE

Overeating disease (enterotoxemia) generally results in death and seldom exhibits symptoms. This disease is caused by a clostridial organism that is normally in the intestine of most goats. Goats that have their feeding schedules abruptly changed or consume large amounts of grain are the most susceptible to overeating disease. These changes cause the clostridial organism to grow rapidly and to produce a powerful toxin that causes death within a few hours. The two types of enterotoxemia are C and D. Vaccinate all your goats with the combination C and D vaccine; multiple vaccinations are recommended. Two or three vaccinations are preferred, with the booster doses coming at 3- to 4-week intervals following the first vaccination. A good vaccination program should eliminate losses from overeating.

BLOAT

Bloat is the accumulation of an excessive amount of gas in the rumen. This may result from overeating tender, young, high-moisture legumes or other green forages still wet with dew. Symptoms of bloated goats include the animal's lying down and getting up at frequent intervals, kicking at the abdomen, making loud grunting noises, or otherwise showing distress. Prevention includes making sure the animals have a good fill of dry hay before turning them onto moist pasture. Animals can die suddenly with bloat; therefore, do not wait too long before calling the veterinarian for assistance.

FOOTROT

Foot rot is not often seen in goats, but it may occur if animals spend considerable time in wet, unsanitary yards or barns. The first symptom is lameness, followed by a swelling of the foot that becomes hot to the touch. Carefully trim the rotten area away and the foot treated with a 10- to 30-percent copper sulfate solution or other medication prescribed by a veterinarian

REMEMBER

Any breed of goat that is kept on adequate browse and grazing have few disease problems if not overcrowded. Carefully buying new breeding stock and isolation can help prevent bringing in new diseases. And always have a good client/vet relationship.