ACBS 405/505: Principles of Livestock Health Management

Lecture on Goats/Sheep Diseases and Disorders

Introduction

• Discussion on diseases and disorders affecting goats and sheep
• Importance of prevention due to poor response to treatments
• Some diseases common to cattle show different symptoms in goats and sheep

Diseases Covered

1. Bluetongue (Sore Muzzle)

   • Viral disease, spread by gnats
   • Affects sheep, prevalent in the western U.S.
   • Symptoms: Loss of appetite, sluggishness, fever, swelling, ulcers, lameness
   • No treatment; secondary infections treated
   • Vaccination available

2. Caseous Lymphadenitis

   • Bacterial, contagious; affects goats and sheep
   • Entry through skin abrasions
   • Symptoms: Abscesses near lymph nodes
   • Zoonotic; culling recommended if abscess bursts
   • No effective treatment once abscess is hardened

3. Enterotoxemia (Overeating Disease)

   • Bacterial toxemia; affects lambs and kids
   • Symptoms: Sudden death, convulsions
   • Prevention through management, feeding strategies, and vaccination

4. Foot Abscess (Bumblefoot)

   • Infectious, non-contagious
   • Occurs in wet/muddy conditions
   • Symptoms: Swelling in the foot, lameness
   • Treatment: Drain abscesses, antibiotics

5. Foot Rot

   • Extremely contagious, requires presence of two bacteria
   • Symptoms: Lameness, discharge, knee walking
   • Control: Inspection, trimming, dry bedding, and footbath treatments

6. Lamb Dysentery

   • Affects lambs 1-5 days old
   • Symptoms: Diarrhea, sudden death
   • Prevention through sanitation and vaccination

7. Mastitis

   • Affects udder; caused by bacteria or injury
   • Symptoms: Swollen, sore, hard udder, abnormal milk
   • Treatment with antibiotics

8. Scrapie

   • Affects central nervous system; transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
   • No cure or vaccine; always fatal
   • Symptoms: Behavioral changes, coordination loss, wool loss
   • Control through APHIS programs

9. Tetanus

   • Caused by bacteria producing toxin
   • Symptoms: Stiffness, rigid jaw, spasms
   • Prevention through sterilization and vaccination

10. Vibriosis (Campylobacteriosis)

    • Bacterial; causes abortions
    • Prevention through isolation and vaccination

Nutritional Problems

1. Milk Fever

   • Caused by calcium deficiency
   • Symptoms: Tremors, difficulty standing
   • Treatment: Veterinary care, good gestation diet

2. Urinary Calculi (Water Belly, Urolithiasis)

   • Formation of stones in urinary tract
   • Symptoms: Straining, swollen abdomen, depression
   • Prevention through diet management

Parasite Management

• External Parasites: Prevented by sanitation and insecticides
• Internal Parasites: Managed through drenching and pasture rotation
  • Notable parasites: Coccidia, liver fluke, lungworms

Conclusion

• The importance of comprehensive management and preventive measures to control diseases and maintain livestock health.