Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease in goats, and it hits young kids especially hard. It impacts their overall health and, of course, their ability to grow and thrive. It’s important to know how to prevent and treat it.
This article is your guide to understanding coccidiosis in goats. We’ll cover prevention and treatment, with a special focus on using Corid (amprolium).
Remember, good management practices are key to keeping your goats healthy! It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and treatment plans for your herd.
Understanding Coccidiosis: The Basics
Coccidiosis is an infection caused by protozoan parasites of the Eimeria species. There are lots of different types of Eimeria, but each type tends to infect only one species. So, the Eimeria that infect your goats aren’t the same Eimeria that might infect your chickens.
Even within goats, only a few Eimeria species cause serious disease. E. arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae are two of the more common troublemakers.
Coccidia have a life cycle that involves shedding oocysts (a sort of egg) into the environment. In warm, moist conditions, these oocysts sporulate, or become infectious. Goats become infected when they ingest sporulated oocysts from contaminated feed, water, or just by grazing in a contaminated environment.
Why Young Goats Are More Susceptible
Kids between 3 weeks and 5 months old are most likely to develop coccidiosis because their immune systems are still developing, and they haven’t yet built up a strong resistance. Stressful events, like weaning, transportation, or changes in diet, can also weaken a goat’s immune system and make them more susceptible to coccidiosis.
Recognizing the Signs: Clinical and Subclinical Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis can manifest in different ways in goats, sometimes with clear symptoms and sometimes with more subtle indicators.
Clinical Signs of Coccidiosis
When coccidiosis is active, you’ll likely see diarrhea. It can range from mild to severe, and in serious cases, you might see blood or mucus in the stool. Other signs include:
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Rough hair coat
Left untreated, severe coccidiosis can be fatal.
Subclinical Coccidiosis: The Hidden Threat
Sometimes, goats can be infected with coccidia but not show obvious signs of illness. This is called subclinical coccidiosis. While they might not seem sick, these animals may not be as efficient at converting feed into energy, and they might grow more slowly than healthy goats.
Subclinical coccidiosis can have a real economic impact, especially in commercial herds. Even though the goats don’t appear ill, the infection can lead to lower productivity and reduced profitability for the farm.
Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Coccidiosis
As with most illnesses, prevention is preferable to treatment. Coccidiosis is no different, and there are many things you can do to reduce your goats’ risk of contracting this disease.
Good Husbandry Practices: The Foundation of Prevention
Keeping your goats’ living quarters clean and dry is key. Regularly remove manure and soiled bedding so that coccidia oocysts don’t accumulate to dangerous levels.
Good ventilation is also essential. Make sure there’s plenty of air flow so that moisture doesn’t build up.
And don’t overcrowd your goats. When goats are packed together too tightly, they experience stress, which can weaken their immune systems. Overcrowding also allows coccidia to spread more rapidly.
Feed and Water Management
Goats should always have access to clean, fresh water. Clean and disinfect their water troughs regularly to prevent contamination with coccidia oocysts.
Use feeders rather than putting feed directly on the ground. That way, you can reduce the risk of your goats eating feed that’s been contaminated with feces.
It’s also important to store feed in a dry place to prevent mold growth and oocyst sporulation.
Strategic Use of Coccidiostats
Coccidiostats are medications that prevent coccidiosis, and they can be especially helpful during times when your goats are at high risk. These medications can be added to feed or water to help control coccidia populations.
Common coccidiostats used in goats include decoquinate (Deccox®), monensin (Rumensin®), and lasalocid (Bovatec®). Note that some coccidiostats are used extra-label in goats, so you’ll need to consult with your veterinarian before using them.
Treating Coccidiosis: A Focus on Corid (Amprolium)
Coccidiosis is a common ailment in goats, especially young ones. If you suspect your goat has coccidiosis, it’s important to confirm the diagnosis and work with your veterinarian on a treatment plan.
When to Treat: Diagnosis and Veterinary Consultation
Before you start any treatment, it’s important to get a solid diagnosis through a fecal exam. A fecal float test can help identify coccidia oocysts, and the number of oocysts can tell you how severe the infection is. A count of 5,000 or more oocysts is generally considered clinically significant.
It’s also crucial to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis, treatment plan, and dosage recommendations. A vet can rule out other possible causes of diarrhea and make sure you’re using the right medication in the right way.
Amprolium (Corid®): How it Works and How to Give it
Amprolium, sold under the brand name Corid®, is a common treatment for coccidiosis. It’s a thiamine (vitamin B1) analog, meaning it’s similar in structure to thiamine. It works by interfering with the coccidia’s metabolism. It blocks the uptake of thiamine by the coccidia, which prevents them from growing and reproducing.
Corid® is usually given orally, either in the drinking water or as a drench. It’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when giving Corid®.
One important thing to keep in mind is that prolonged use of Corid® can lead to thiamine deficiency. For this reason, if your vet prescribes Corid®, you should also give vitamin B1 injections at the same time.
Other Treatment Options
Besides Corid®, there are other treatments available for coccidiosis. Two common options are sulfadimethoxine (Albon®) and toltrazuril (Baycox®). Note that Baycox® is not yet FDA-approved for use in goats in the US.
Sulfa drugs are also sometimes used extra-label, especially in the early stages of the disease, to prevent secondary infections.
Supportive care and recovery
Goats who are recovering from coccidiosis need supportive care to regain their strength.
- Hydration. Make sure your goats have access to fresh, clean water and electrolytes.
- Appropriate diet. Offer high-quality hay and fresh, green leaves. Avoid grains during the illness, as they can be difficult to digest.
- Isolation. Keep sick goats away from the rest of your herd to avoid spreading the parasite.
- Monitoring. Watch recovering goats carefully for signs of a relapse or secondary infection.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to coccidiosis in goats, prevention is always better than cure. Good husbandry practices like regular cleaning, proper sanitation, and minimizing stress on your herd are key to keeping coccidia at bay.
If coccidiosis does strike, early detection and prompt treatment with medications like Corid are essential to minimize its impact. Don’t forget supportive care, either, like keeping your goats hydrated and providing them with nutritious feed.
Finally, remember that coccidiosis management is an ongoing process. By monitoring your goats regularly and working with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive coccidiosis control program, you can significantly reduce the risk of future outbreaks and keep your goats healthy and thriving.