Lice Treatment In Goats

It is important that you check your goats regularly for lice and treat them accordingly. Left untreated, an infestation of lice will cause extensive damage to the skin and coat. The lice will undoubtedly cause the goat discomfort from infected bites, and they will frantically scratch and rub against fences, shelters, trees, etc., causing inflammation and abrasions. External parasites can be a problem at any time of year in both warm and cold weather. Regularly grooming your goats will ensure you are aware of any lice problems early, allowing you to treat them immediately.

Undernourished goats in poor health and those living in cramped conditions are more prone to external parasites; however, like any farm animal, all goats can be vulnerable to lice. Signs to look out for are dull, matted coats and an animal that is constantly trying to scratch itself. It is possible to see lice with the naked eye; therefore, by parting the hair, you should be able to see if there are any lice crawling on the hair shafts. Hair loss is common when your goat has lice.

Parasite control in goats should be a routine part of their care, along with foot care and worming. Regularly handling your goats will make all routine care much easier and less stressful for the animals.

Lice spread quickly among a herd of goats; therefore, if you have a herd, treating them all at the same time rather than individual goats is beneficial. Failure to treat the entire herd means the lice will return, and the problem will be ongoing. Their housing should also be thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with suitable parasite control, such as diatomaceous earth. Infestations should be dealt with immediately. Leaving them untreated for any length of time can cause other problems, such as anaemia and secondary infections, in addition to the animal feeling very uncomfortable.

Although lice spread via direct contact between animals, they are species-specific, meaning they cannot be transmitted from species to species. For example, lice affecting a horse cannot be transmitted to a goat. Neither can lice that affect livestock be passed to humans.

Allison with her goats

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