Goats are very hardy and strong animals. They suffer by diseases or any other health problems less than other domestic animals. Although you need to be aware of some common goat diseases and their control/treatment method, if you want to run a successful and profitable goat farming business.
Sometimes the goats in your flock can be infected by diseases, which can ultimately results in increased mortality or other health problems.
You must have to be able to identify the symptoms of some common goat diseases and take necessary steps for preventing or curing. If you are unable to identify the symptoms, you can call an expert.
But it is always wise to learn more about the common goat diseases and their symptoms, before starting this business commercially.
Common Goat Diseases and Treatment Information
The Goats generally get infected by bacterial, viral, parasites and malnutritious diseases. Here we are describing about some common goat diseases and their treatment information.
Bacterial Goat Diseases
Basic information and treatment method about some common bacterial goat diseases are described below.
Anthrax
Anthrax is a fatal goat disease in goats. It can cause sudden death. Blood flowing from nose and other outlets are also common. Dead body of the anthrax infected goat should be buried for stopping further spread in the flock. Vaccinate your goats timely for preventing this disease.
Brucellosis
Infertility problem in both bucks and does are caused by the brucellosis disease. Abortion during late pregnancy also caused by this disease. Joint swelling is another common symptom of this disease. You have to dispose dead fetus and placenta of the doe for preventing this disease. Use hand gloves while disposing.
Enterotoxaemia
Enterotoxaemia is a fatal goat disease, especially for the kids. Sudden death in young goat kids is the common symptom of this disease. Avoiding feeding the young kids with greens and taking them outside will help to prevent this disease. Vaccinate the kids just before starting the rainy season.
Foot Rot
Foot rot is not a fatal goat disease, but it can cause some problem to the goat. Wounds in the goat foot is the most common symptom of this disease. Ensure clean and dry housing condition for your goats.
Haemorrhagic Septicemia
The haemorrhagic septicemia is a fatal goat disease. It can cause sudden death in goats. Intestinal inflammation and high fever are the most common symptom of this goat disease. This disease affect the goats much in rainy season. Vaccinate your goats timely for preventing this disease. You should vaccinate your goats just before the rainy season.
Mastitis
Udder swelling is the most common symptom of the Mastitis goat disease. Changes in the milk color is also a symptom of this disease. Always try to keep your goat’s house as clean as possible. Also clean your goat’s udder with dis-infect solutions.
Pneumonia
High fever and frequent coughing are the most common symptoms of the pneumonia disease. Always try to keep your goats house clean. Ensure proper ventilation system, and always provide your goats fresh and clean water to drink.
Viral Goat Disease
Goat pox, PPR and foot and mouth diseases are the most common viral goat diseases.
Foot And Mouth Disease
FMD also called foot and mouth disease is a viral disease in goats. High fever, wounds in foot and mouth, difficulties in walking and increased salivary secretion are the common symptoms of this disease. Vaccinate your goats timely for preventing this disease. First vaccination should be done within 3 months of age, and subsequently once 5-6 months interval.
Goat Pox
Respiratory distress, nasal mucous discharges and fever are the most common symptom of goat pox disease. Other visible symptom of this disease is pox lesion on lips, thighs and udder in the affected goats. Vaccinate your goats regularly. Generally goat pox vaccine is applied once a year.
PPR
PPR (peste des petits ruminants) is a common viral disease in goats. Nasal mucous discharge, mouth lesion, respiratory distress and fever are the common symptom of this disease. Separate the affected goats from the flock. Vaccinate your goats timely. PPR vaccine is generally applied once a year.
Parasites
Parasites cause some diseases or health related problems in goats. Both external and internal parasites are harmful for the goats. Keep the house as clean as possible, and groom your goats regularly for preventing external parasites. Regular de-worming and de-licing will help to prevent some internal parasites.
These are the common goat diseases and their treatment. Always monitor your goat’s health and their activities. This will not only help to detect problems, but also help to save your money and time. God bless you!
