Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
quarantine new goats, and do not allow them to interact with your other goats through fences
for 30 to 60 days.
During the quarantine period, vaccinate the new goats for tetanus and enterotoxemia unless
the seller has provided you with reliable vaccination records. Treat them for external parasites
and worm them, and watch for signs of respiratory illness and pinkeye. Observe them care-
fully, and if you have any doubts about their health, call your veterinarian to come and exam-
ine them.
Goats should be quarantined after they have been boarded with a veterinarian, visited another
farm for stud service, or have been taken to a fair or showground.
Treating sick goats
You can perform some medical treatments yourself, such as first aid for cuts and scratches,
administering worm medicine, some vaccinations, and even the lancing of abscesses. For
most sick goats, however, you will need a veterinarian to diagnose the disease and prescribe
the correct medication. The veterinarian can show you how to continue routine treatment on
your own.
Get to know your veterinarian before you have a goat emergency or illness, perhaps by asking
him or her to examine your herd and stable and make recommendations about local health
problems. Post the veterinarian's telephone number where it is easily visible. If possible, get
the number of a second veterinarian to call in emergencies when the first one is unavailable.
Establish relationships with experienced goat keepers in your area who can act as mentors and
whom you can call for advice when you have problems with your goats.
As soon as you detect symptoms of disease, isolate the sick goat in a clean, quiet stall away
from the herd and provide her with her own supply of feed and water. Because separation
from the herd can cause stress in a goat, locate a companion goat somewhere nearby where
she can be seen and heard but will not come into contact with the sick goat. Goats appear to
become discouraged quickly when they are seriously ill. Give your sick goats lots of attention,
stroke them, talk to them, and hand-feed them treats. This kind of sympathetic support is an
important factor in its recovery.
Vaccinating your goats
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