Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Humans should not consume milk from newly dewormed goats.
Read the label, ask your vet, or look online to see how long you
must wait before using the milk again.
DISEASES THAT CAN SPREAD FROM GOATS TO
HUMANS
•
Toxoplasmosis:
A disease of cats, caused by a protozoa, can result in miscarriage in
goats and humans. The symptoms are so mild in adult goats that they often are not no-
ticed, but the microbes can be excreted in milk and can injure fetuses and infants who
drink raw milk. You can prevent this disease from spreading by pasteurizing or boiling
goat's milk before human consumption.
•
Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis arises in various organs of goats and can be transmitted in
milk. Tuberculosis has been all but eliminated in the domestic animals of most coun-
tries.
•
Brucellosis:
Brucellosis is still widespread in the Mediterranean and in tropical and sub-
tropical countries. It causes undulant fever in humans and miscarriage in goats. Goats
can carry the disease without exhibiting symptoms. Pasteurizing goat milk prevents
transmission.
•
Chlamydia:
A common cause of miscarriage in goats in the United States, chlamydia
can spread to humans and cause miscarriages. Pregnant women should avoid contact
with goats during kidding time and should wear masks and gloves when handling goats.
•
Q Fever:
A cause of miscarriage in goats and sheep, the disease can spread from cows
to goats. Humans can contract it by inhaling contaminated dust, consuming unpasteur-
ized milk, and coming into contact with miscarriage material. Human beings experience
flu-like symptoms.
•
Rabies:
Pastured goats can get rabies if a rabid animal, such as a rat, raccoon, or vam-
pire bat, bites them. Goats with rabies exhibit abnormal behavior but are not necessarily
aggressive. Transmission to humans can only occur if the rabid goat's saliva enters an
open wound. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect a goat has rabies or has been bit-
ten by a rabid animal. Like humans, goats can undergo a series of injections to prevent
rabies.
Breeding Goats
