Boer goats are often regarded as hardy, resilient animals that seldom contract diseases. This perception is mostly accurate. However, diseases can and do occur in goat herds, making it essential to improve their resistance to potentially serious diseases. This can be achieved through effective preventive measures and sound management practices, which also help reduce reliance on antibiotics.
Ilse Lombard, a well-known Boer goat breeder from Vrede, notes that a goat’s tail is a reliable indicator of its health. “The tail is the goat’s thermometer. If the tail is tucked down, it is a sign that something may be wrong and should be investigated. If the goat is startled and the tail remains down, it usually indicates that the animal is seriously ill,” she explains.
Read part 5 of this series, about nutrition, here.
Lombard highlights several diseases that can have serious consequences for a Boer goat herd.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is caused by microscopic organisms that damage the animal’s mucous membranes and intestinal lining. The specific species responsible for the disease in poultry, she explains, can also infect sheep and goats.
Symptoms of coccidiosis
- Poor growth in lambs (note that other factors may also contribute to reduced growth).
- Poor appetite and rapid loss of body condition.
- Watery diarrhoea, often resulting in soiling around the hindquarters.
- Blood in the faeces and signs of dehydration.
Coccidiosis can be treated successfully if detected early. In most cases, a single treatment is sufficient. Animals showing signs of dehydration should also receive fluids and electrolytes.
Pasteurellosis
Pasteurellosis is commonly referred to as pneumonia. It is a widespread disease in sheep and goats, and can be effectively controlled through vaccination, early treatment, and sound management practices that minimise stress. If overlooked, however, the disease can lead to serious illness and even death.
Pasteurella bacteria are normally present in the respiratory tracts of most sheep and goats. Under stress-free conditions, these bacteria usually do not lead to disease. However, various stress factors can trigger infection. These stressors include sudden changes in weather, poor nutrition, changes in feed, weaning, transportation, herding over long distances, overcrowding in feedlots, and prolonged handling.
Symptoms of pasteurellosis
- General signs associated with pneumonia.
- Fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite.
- White nasal discharge.
- Rapid breathing.
- A dry, painful cough, especially noticeable when animals are herded over long distances.
Footrot or foot abscesses
These conditions are caused by bacterial infections affecting the joints of the foot. “The first noticeable sign is often a nodding head while the animal walks and steps on the painful foot. The leg should be examined immediately by applying gentle pressure from top to bottom. A warm sensation when touching the area is a clear indication of inflammation in the joint,” Lombard explains.
Other factors may also lead to pain and inflammation, including ulcers resulting from tick bites, injuries caused by sharp objects, or inflammation of the coronary band associated with bluetongue, acidosis, or prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
Enzootic abortion
Herds infected with Chlamydia psittaci often experience high abortion rates. Affected kids are typically too weak to suckle and subsequently die from starvation.
The disease can be controlled through vaccination. Does should receive a live vaccine at least six weeks before the breeding season; this vaccine provides protection for up to five years. Pregnant does may be vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, but because it is less potent than the live vaccine, a booster dose is required four weeks later.
Pregnant does must never be vaccinated with a live vaccine, as this can induce abortion. During periods of active abortion, affected does may be treated with long-acting antibiotics to help reduce the incidence of abortion.
Lymph node abscesses
This occurs when a goat has an abscess that ruptures, releasing pus that contaminates the environment. This pus contains large numbers of bacteria that can survive for months in hay, pens, and on equipment.
The pus can infect healthy sheep or goats, even via microscopic wounds or sometimes through intact skin without any visible wounds.
Abscesses commonly develop on the neck and chest. It is important to lance and drain them properly before they rupture naturally, reducing the risk of spreading infection to other animals. – Koos du Pisanie, Stockfarm
In the final instalment of this series, we will focus on getting your goats ready for a show. For more information, contact Ilse Lombard at 072 078 4336.
