Written by Administrator-GL
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Monday, 30 March 2009 |
Coccidiosis
This is the second most common reason for scours in kids. This is a Parasite. All goats have coccidia in their bodies, it is only when they multiply in huge numbers that they become a health problem. Severe infection can cause death if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Other symptoms include; depression, abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss, rough coat, dehydration, death. Pneumonia can be a secondary disease if the goat is under severe stress. The most common reason for major outbreak is overcrowding and unclean areas. Oral /fecal transmission is the typical route of infection. Suspected cases should have a fecal test done specifically for coccidia oocyts(eggs), which is slightly different than a normal nematode fecal. Coccidia is species specific, therefore will not transmit between different animal species.. Treatment with a coccidiostat, there are many out there , but DiMethox, Sulmet, and Albon being the most common.(Corid is not used in young kids as it will affect the health of the liver.) Different medications have specific uses and concerns. **More information in Coccidiosis article.
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