I just left Fedex to drop off a box of samples to send to test! What does that mean? Read below.
To some goat owners testing your goats may not mean anything, to others they may have heard of it but do not think it pertains to them, but to informed and educated goat owners it means everything! No matter the type of goats you raise, some form of yearly testing should be done.
So what does “testing your herd” mean? This means you, as a responsible goat owner, 1) have your veterinarian come out to your farm and take blood samples from all the goats that are over 6 months in age or 2) draw your own blood and send it off to a laboratory for testing.
Reputable breeders and responsible goat owners will try and protect their goats and breeding programs from disease ; Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis (CAE), Tuberculosis (TB), Johne’s, Brucellosis and Caseous Lymphoma (CL). They all can be done with the same blood sample that you already have drawn, except for TB which is explained.
Although I am comfortable with my own blood draws, I have my vet come and pull my blood so that there is never any question as to my status. Thank you to my awesome Vet, Dr Katie Estill (Desert trails Vet, Winnemucca NV) for excellent care of my animals!
So what to test for? Depending on what your goats purpose is, CAE, Johne’s, TB, Brucellosis and CL. We raise goats for dairy purposes so we test our herd for all of the above diseases.
Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis (CAE): This disease has two forms: the arthritis (visible) and the encephalitis (internal). This disease causes painful arthritic joints, mastitis, decreased milk production. Once a goat has this disease they can never rid themselves of it. The disease will be passed from mother to kid through the milk.
Johne’s Disease: pronounced (Yo-knees)This disease shows up as rapid weight loss and diarrhea and may stay dormant for many years. It has been linked to Crohn’s Disease in humans. Once an animal has this disease there is no cure. Most people euthanize their goats with this disease.
Tuberculosis (TB): Although this disease has not been found prevalent in the US, there are still concerns since this disease can be transmitted to humans. There are 2 strains of TB that are tested for, bovine and avian. The veterinarian will inject test fluid into your goat, usually at the base of the tail or neck. They will have to come back out to the farm and read the results of the testing within 3 days. Most goats come back with no reaction, some do. If a goat does have a reaction, The USDA veterinarian will come out to your farm and make another two injections, one for bovine TB and the other for avian TB. The USDA Veterinarian will come back and read the results. Most of the time it is the avian strain which causes no harm.
Brucellosis: This disease can cause abortion of the fetus in late pregnancy, and in male goats can cause infertility and swollen joints.
Caseous Lymphoma (CL): This disease causes abscesses around the lymph glands most often around the jawline which burst open and drain. Once this disease is in your soil it is there forever. There are vaccines available through some drug companies. We DO vaccinate for CL.
What is the best way to ensure my animals we purchase are healthy? Do not purchase at a sale barn or auction house, purchase from a reliable breeder or goat owner. When you go to purchase, do not just take the word of the goat owner, but ask to see the results of the testing for yourself. Even if you buy a young goat that has not been tested at least you will know that it comes from a “clean” herd. I have bought from untested herds. But you better believe that I quarantine and test before I let them be with the rest of the herd. It’s not worth the risk!
