Diseases

Boergoats are much less susceptible to many of the diseases that, for instance, sheep may get. As has already been detailed on this website, the Boergoat is a hardy animal, displaying a natural resistance to many common livestock diseases. However, it makes sound economic sense to innoculate your animals agains certain diseases. It is always a lot less expensive to implement a sound animal health programme than it is to deal with an outbreak of disease.

Develop and maintain a good relationship with your local vet, someone who specialises in or is conversant with small livestock diseases and related health problems.

Below is a list of some of the more common diseases and health problems that the Boergoat farmer may be faced with. This list is not comprehensive and while farmers in certain areas may experience these and other problems, other farmers may experience very few problems.

Pulpy kidney

The Boer goat is not very susceptible to this disease, but it is preferable to inoculate.

Pasteurella

This disease presents a problem amongst goats and tends to occur under conditions where animals are under stress: drought conditions, sudden severe cold, etc.

Blue udder

Inoculate annually 2-4 weeks before kidding season.

Brucellosis

Use Brucella inoculation. Inoculate kids at 3-4 months. This treatment safeguards animals for their entire lifespan.

Gangrene of uterus

Inoculate with Clostridium Septicum 2-3 months before kidding season on an annual basis.

Enzootic abortion

Inoculate ewes annually 4-6 weeks before mating.

Corynebacterium ovis

There is an inoculation agent for this condition, but it is reportedly not very effective. The best solution is to ensure that as soon as the abscess is ripe, it is cut open and thoroughly pressed out into a receptor, which should then be burnt. The wound should be disinfected thoroughly.

DISEASES AMONG SUCKLING KIDS

Diarrhea

This is the result of drinking too much milk or Coccidioses. It may also be the result of a change in grazing; juicy green grazing such as reeds, planted pastures and other similar vegetation will create a loose stomach for a few days. If it doesn't clear there may be another cause that needs to be investigated. Tape worms affecting suckling lambs will also create diarrhea.

Blue lice

The kids begin to bite and scratch. Catch hold of a kid and inspect its flanks; the lice will be clearly visible. Treatment: Dip or make use of an agent which is poured on. Lice are particularly prevalent in enclosures and it is therefore recommended that enclosures or kraals be cleaned of all manure, urine and other material regularly and that, if possible they be rotated and the empty enslosures exposed to the sun for a few weeks.

Tapeworm

Dose with a suitable broad-spectrum dewormer once a month or as neccessary. Ensure that the correct dosage is applied as over or under dosing creates problems in terms of parasite resistance, high deworming costs and other related problems.

Orf infection (Scabby mouth or Vuilbek)

Inoculate kids from one week of age by scratching the skin surface in an armpit so that the skin surface is broken. The innoculant can then be applied to this lesion. A very effective treatment is to make a mixture to 2/3 liquid praffin and 1/3 tincture of iodine. Remove scabs on the animal until an open lesion is created. Apply this mixture with a small paintbrush 2 to 3 times per day until the infection clears. As with all health problems, prevention is better than cure but the earlier an infection is treated the cheaper and easier it is.

Brucellosis

Inoculate male kids at three months according to the Rev 1 formula.

Castration

At about one month old. This is preferably done with rubber rings applied with a specialised applicator. Ensure that both testicles are in the scrotum before the ring is applied and ensure that the ring is not placed too high against the abdomen in which case tearing of the scrotum and subsequent infection may occur.

PARASITES

Internal

The Boer Goat is not highly susceptible to roundworm, since it prefers to graze at a level above the ground under extensive conditions. However, over a broad spectrum, it is a good idea to dose three weeks after the first spring rains and then again three weeks after the first frost. In the case of cultivated pastures, dosing should take place on a regular basis using a broad spectrum dewormer. If goats are grazed near rivers, springs, on irrigated pastures or anywhere that is permanently damp or wet, care should be taken to prevent liver fluke infestation. Tapeworms present problems among suckling kids - the latter should therefore be dosed every month or as neccessary.

External

Blue lice disease is problematic especially during dry months - dip, or use an agent which is poured over the animal. Ticks are greatly problematic since goats are extremely sensitive to them. Make use of patch treatment or, under severe conditions, use an agent which is poured over the animal.