Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Keeping their surroundings clean: clean stable, clean feed, and clean water. Many goat
diseasesaretransmittedwhengoatscomeintocontactwithparasiteeggs,bacteria,orvir-
uses that have fallen on the ground from other goats.
• Providing an airy but draft-free, dry stable
• Parasite prevention through regular testing and worming
• Making sure goats have enough exercise
• Regular skin and hoof care
• Consistent washing of udders, dipping of teats, and observation of hygiene during milk-
ing
• Proper vaccination program
• Preventing injury
• Daily observation of your goats and quick response when symptoms appear
Consult your veterinarian or agricultural extension office to learn what particular diseases and
parasites, if any, are problems in your area. They may recommend parasite testing or a vaccin-
ation program to prevent the spread of diseases that have affected local goat populations. The
soils in your area may be deficient in one or more essential minerals, which make supple-
ments crucial to the health of your goats.
Goats' curiosity and their habit of putting their forelegs up on trees and fences to eat make
them susceptible to injury from damaged fences, wires, and sharp edges. Limit the grazing
areas of dairy goats so their soft, low-hanging udders are not scratched and cut by underbrush.
Bucks and meat goats do not have this problem. Goats also can be injured when vying for
dominance in the herd or when horned goats are kept with hornless goats. Keep an eye out for
excessive aggressive behavior or horseplay, and isolate either the victim or the troublemaker
until she can be reintegrated with the herd.
Isolate new goats from your herd for 30 to 60 days
Goats easily can pick up infectious diseases and parasites at livestock auctions and fairs. Even
when you buy a goat from a reputable farm, it might carry a disease. Infectious diseases have
an incubation period, and symptoms may not appear right away. Once an infection or parasite
spreads to your herd, it is hard to bring it under control. To keep your herd healthy and safe,
