Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Wounds should be disinfected with tincture of iodine or a coating of pine tar. To stop excess-
ive bleeding, apply pressure with a clean, folded towel. If a wound is inflamed, wash it or
bathe it with chamomile tea. Scratches on the udder can be treated with antibiotic ointment.
For abscesses, apply a dressing or icthyol ointment. A veterinarian should stitch deep or gap-
ing wounds. Dust with a fly-repellent powder or spread a fly-repellent ointment around the
wound to keep flies off.
Goat Diseases
Contagious Ecthyma (Sore Mouth):
A resistant virus that produces scabs about the lips and
gums causes sore mouth. The virus is transmitted in the scabby material, which may remain
viable in the soil for a long period. This disease is more serious in kids because the soreness
prevents them from eating normally and because the infection may spread to their mothers'
teats when they nurse. Immunity develops after the initial infection. A vaccination program
can prevent the disease.
The purpose of treatment is to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. Gently remove the
scabby material using gauze soaked in hydrogen peroxide, and then cover the area with zinc
oxide or similar ointment. Wear plastic gloves because it is transmissible to humans.
Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm):
This is a blood-sucking stomach worm, which
causes severe anemia and death in goats and sheep. It can become a severe problem in warm,
humid weather. The larva live on pasture grasses. Once it is eaten, it develops into adult
worms in the stomach. The female worm can lay thousands of eggs a day and sucks blood
from the stomach lining. The eggs pass through the feces and contaminate the goat's environ-
ment. Treatment is through use of dewormers. Prevention revolves around not overstocking
pastures and rotational grazing of pastureland.
Mastitis:
Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder. It may be acute or chronic. Streptococcus
or staphylococcus organisms cause most cases. The udder may appear hot, painful, tense, and
hard. A wide-spectrum antibiotic may be needed or simple penicillin may be effective. The
disease can be cured if treated early.
Meningeal deerworm:
The white-tailed deer spreads this parasite. It usually does not cause
problems in the deer, but when goats or sheep inadvertently ingest the worm larva, it damages
the brain and spinal cord frequently causing death. Some infected animals will have mild
signs such as limping or leg weakness while others become paralyzed. The disease cannot be
