Goat Health
Goats can be a pretty hardy species. They are browsers, meaning they eat a lot of different types of plants, including woody plants. Goats can be susceptible to some diseases, and any animal entrusted to our care must have a proper health plan developed. Read through the below sections to learn about goat health.
Identification
Animal identification is a key to goat health. Each animal should be able to be identified by either ear tag or visual inspection. Some animals are required to have state approved identification, especially if they are being sold, transported, or shown. Check out Florida's small ruminant identification requirements here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Livestock/Goats-Sheep-Small-Ruminants/Goat-Movement-Requirements
Individual identification is vital to keeping proper records. If animals cannot be identified visually or by name, consider using ear tags. Number or letter systems can be used to keep track of generations of animals, medications given, diseases, and more.
Biosecurity
People are often the most dangerous thing for a farm. Many diseases and bacteria are introduced from humans to their animals accidentally. Biosecurity is an important part of ensuring our animals health. See below for three biosecurity tips to make sure your animals stay happy and healthy!
Keep Clean
The easiest way to keep our animals healthy is by keeping their environment clean. Make sure to keep pens dry and clean, frequently wash feed/water buckets, and ensure feed is free of mold. It's also important to keep our hands clean. Always wash your hands after handling animals.
Quarantine
New animals brought to the farm should be quarantined for two weeks to ensure they are free from disease. These animals should not share the same water or feed source as animals already on the farm. Quarantine is important to reduce the risk of disease introduction to the farm.
Prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Animals should be vaccinated at the appropriate times to prevent disease. Read below to learn about proper vaccination protocols.
Vaccinations
All goats need at least a CDT vaccine. This vaccine is for Clostridium perfringens type C + D and tetanus. Other vaccines are optional and should be given to goats based on guidance from your veterinarian. Work with your vet to establish a vaccine protocol for your farm. This protocol will tell you what vaccines should be given to each class of animals (Adults, kids, lactating, pregnant, bucks, etc.) and when. Follow the protocol closely and remember to give the appropriate annual boosters.
Check here for more goat vaccine resources: https://goats.extension.org/goat-vaccination-program/
Goat Quality Assurance
Goat Quality Assurance is a program which helps producers learn to proper way to raise goats and ensure a quality, safe product is entering the food system. Quality Assurance programs teach about proper animal handling, injection sites and vaccine safety, animal nutrition, and more.
Learn more here: https://goats.extension.org/goat-quality-assurance/
Learn about Quality Assurance for Youth Goat Producers: https://goats.extension.org/quality-assurance-for-youth-goat-producers/
