Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
similar to sheep and cattle, rotating fields to prevent overgrazing. They should have a
variety of plant species for grazing. Feeding of goats in industrialized countries is
similar to that of sheep. Nannies are fed some high protein supplements after breeding.
Supplements are continued after giving birth and the kids are fed supplements after
weaning. In developing countries goats give birth in the spring when rains have
initiated heavy growth of grasses and shrubs. This also provides food for the new
crop of kids as well as fattening them for sale.
A secondary use of goats is to control some weed shrubs. In parts of the United
States goats are used to control problems of multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). This
is a thorny, woody, perennial shrub that was introduced as “living fences” and as
wildlife cover in the 1930s but later found to be invasive, taking over productive
pastures. Goats readily browse the growing tips of this shrub, eventually eliminating
it from pastures.
7.6.3 Pests and Diseases
Goats are generally considered to be rustic: able to survive with a minimum of atten-
tion. Sheep have a reputation of being easily affected by sickness and are especially
vulnerable to predators. This section covers the diseases on the OIE list A (having
the potential for rapid spread, having serious public health consequences, and are of
major importance in international trade).
Foot-and-Mouth
Disease.
This
is
the
same
as
described
for
cattle
in
Section 7.5.3.
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
PPR is a highly contagious viral disease
infecting goats and sheep. Symptoms include fever, discharge from eyes and nose,
mouth sores, disturbed breathing, pneumonia, and death. It was first described in
C ˆte d'Ivoire in 1942. In recent years it has been diagnosed in most countries in the
Sahel region of Africa, the Middle East, and as far east as India. The symptoms are
similar to rinderpest. A vaccine is available and can protect animals for as long as
3 years. Control of an outbreak is done by isolation of infected animals and vaccination
of all surrounding animals. A low rate of infection exists in most affected countries.
Occasional outbreaks occur and may result in nearly 100 percent fatality.
Rift Valley Fever.
This is the same as described for cattle in Section 7.5.3.
Bluetongue.
Bluetongue is a viral disease of sheep transmitted by mosquitoes.
Goats may also be infected but do not typically show outward symptoms. There are
over 20 serotypes (strains) of bluetongue, making positive identification especially
difficult. Symptoms include fever, frothing at the mouth, and a bluish discoloration
of parts of the tongue and regions of the hooves. It will also cause abortion in pregnant
females. Mortality in adult sheep ranges from 10 to 50 percent. Testing is still being
done, but current data indicate that this virus is worldwide. Vaccination of nearby
