Good herd management, including regular health checks, vaccination programs, proper nutrition, and biosecurity measures, is key to preventing and managing these common diseases in goats in the UK.

In ALL instances you should seek advice from your vet.

 

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A VET, THIS SECTION IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND NOT A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VET.

 

1. Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE):

•   Cause: A viral disease caused by the Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV).
•   Symptoms: Arthritis in adult goats, neurological symptoms in kids, weight loss, and reduced milk production.
•   Prevention: Testing and maintaining CAE-free herds; avoid sharing equipment or colostrum between herds.

 

2. Johne's Disease:

•   Cause: A chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).
•   Symptoms: Chronic weight loss, reduced milk production, and diarrhea in some cases.
•   Prevention: Testing and culling infected animals, good hygiene, and biosecurity practices.

 

3. Orf (Contagious Ecthyma):

•   Cause: A viral disease caused by the Orf virus.
•   Symptoms: Blisters, sores, and scabs around the mouth, nostrils, and udders, leading to difficulty eating and nursing.
•   Prevention: Vaccination and isolating infected animals; proper biosecurity to avoid zoonotic spread to humans.

 

4. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD):

•   Cause: A highly contagious viral disease caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).
•   Symptoms: Blisters on the mouth and hooves, fever, lameness, and reduced milk production.
•   Prevention: Strict biosecurity, vaccination where appropriate, and reporting suspected cases (as FMD is a notifiable disease in the UK).

 

5. Bluetongue:

•   Cause: A viral disease spread by midges, caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV).
•   Symptoms: Fever, swelling of the face and tongue, lameness, and reduced milk production.
•   Prevention: Vaccination and vector control; reducing exposure to midges during peak seasons.

 

6. Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA):

•   Cause: A bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.
•   Symptoms: Abscesses in the lymph nodes, weight loss, and decreased milk production.
•   Prevention: Good hygiene, testing, and culling infected animals to prevent spread.

 

7. Clostridial Diseases:

•   Cause: Bacteria from the Clostridium family, causing diseases such as tetanus and enterotoxemia (pulpy kidney).
•   Symptoms: Sudden death, bloating, abdominal pain, and stiff muscles (in tetanus).
•   Prevention: Vaccination against clostridial diseases is essential.

 

8. Mastitis:

•   Cause: Bacterial infection of the udder, often due to Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species.
•   Symptoms: Swollen, hot udder, reduced milk yield, and abnormal milk (clots or blood).
•   Prevention: Good milking hygiene, regular health checks, and treating cases early.

 

9. Internal Parasites (Worms):

•   Cause: Various internal parasites, including gastrointestinal worms such as Haemonchus contortus (Barber's pole worm).
•   Symptoms: Weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, and poor body condition.
•   Prevention: Regular fecal egg counts (FEC) to monitor worm burdens and strategic use of anthelmintics (dewormers).

 

10. Coccidiosis:

•   Cause: A protozoal infection caused by Eimeria species.
•   Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss, poor growth, and dehydration, especially in young goats.
•   Prevention: Good hygiene, avoiding overcrowding, and use of anticoccidial treatments if needed.

 

11. External Parasites (Lice, Mites):

•   Cause: Infestation by external parasites such as lice or mites.
•   Symptoms: Itching, hair loss, and skin irritation.
•   Prevention: Regular grooming, cleaning housing, and using appropriate insecticides.

 

12. Pneumonia:

•   Cause: Often caused by bacterial infections, but can also be due to viral infections or environmental stress.
•   Symptoms: Coughing, nasal discharge, fever, labored breathing, and lethargy.
•   Prevention: Good ventilation, reducing stress, and timely treatment with antibiotics if needed.

 

13. Listeriosis:

•   Cause: A bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
•   Symptoms: Circling, head tilt, fever, and neurological issues. It can be fatal if not treated.
•   Prevention: Avoiding feeding moldy or spoiled silage and good hygiene in feeding areas.

 

14. Scrapie:

•   Cause: A prion disease affecting the nervous system of goats and sheep.
•   Symptoms: Tremors, lack of coordination, itching, and behavioral changes.
•   Prevention: Selective breeding programs to reduce susceptibility and culling of affected animals. Scrapie is a notifiable disease in the UK.

 

15. Nutritional Deficiencies:

•   Common Deficiencies: Goats are prone to deficiencies in selenium (causing white muscle disease), copper, and vitamin E.
•   Symptoms: Weakness, poor growth, reproductive problems, and reduced milk yield.
•   Prevention: Providing a balanced diet, including appropriate supplements based on local soil and forage conditions.

 

16. Bloat:

•   Cause: Excessive gas buildup in the rumen, often due to overeating rich feeds like legumes or grain.
•   Symptoms: Distended abdomen, discomfort, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
•   Prevention: Careful feeding management, avoiding sudden changes in diet, and providing access to forage.

 

17. Urinary Calculi:

• Cause: improper balance of calcium-phosphorus, ideal ratio is 2:1. High levels of magnesium and calcium. Inadequate saliva production and water intake.
• Symptoms:  Straining, restlessness, teeth grinding, loss of appetite,  swelling, lethargy.
• Prevention:  Avoid early castration through banding, surgical castration at the age of 3 months plus (the later the better) Avoid feeding grains and alfalfa. Feed long, fibrous hay to encourage saliva production. Always keep water supply clean and fresh. Provide salt licks to encourage drinking.

18. CLA, or Caseous Lymphadenitis, is a contagious bacterial disease that affects goats, sheep, and other livestock. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and is characterized by the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes and internal organs. The disease can lead to weight loss, reduced milk production, and decreased overall health, making it a significant concern for livestock farmers.

 

The bacteria enter the animal’s body through cuts, abrasions, or mucous membranes, and once inside, they travel to the lymph nodes, causing them to swell and form abscesses filled with thick, cheesy pus. These abscesses can rupture, spreading the bacteria to other animals and contaminating the environment. In some cases, CLA can also infect internal organs, leading to chronic wasting and even death.

 

There are two forms of CLA:

 

1. External CLA: Characterized by visible abscesses on the skin and lymph nodes.

2. Internal CLA: Involves abscesses in internal organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and may not show external signs, making it harder to diagnose.

 

Management of CLA includes isolating affected animals, lancing and draining abscesses under veterinary care, and maintaining strict biosecurity measures. Vaccines are available in some areas, though they may not fully prevent infection. Regular herd health monitoring and preventing the spread of infection are critical for controlling CLA in livestock populations.