In Practice 21: 139-143 (1999)
© 1999 British Veterinary Association

Differential diagnosis of diarrhoea/illthrift in goats at grass

¹ The SAC Veterinary Science Division, Ayr

GOAT rearing is extremely important economically worldwide as a source of meat, milk and fibre, particularly in Third World countries. In recent years, importation of Angora and cashmere goats into the UK to produce mohair and cashmere, respectively, has increased the number of domestic goats to around 84,000 and added significantly to the number of small goat herds kept largely on smallholdings. With this has come an increased risk of the importation of disease and its subsequent spread to indigenous goats and sheep in the UK. Disease remains one of the major limiting factors affecting animal welfare and profitability of goat enterprises. This article discusses the diagnosis, treatment and control of the common diseases in young (over four weeks of age) and adult goats at pasture which present as diarrhoea with weight loss.

Note:

SAC Veterinary Science Division receives financial support from the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department.