Goat Parasites

Grazing on an overly soiled pasture can sometimes lead parasites in your goat herd.

- by Lorrie Boldrick, D.V.M. vetted by Dr. Lyle G. McNeal

It’s likely that one or more of your animals will contract a parasite at some point during its lifespan.

There are, however, steps you can take to minimize the chance of this happening through proper and effective management. If you think your goat may be suffering from one of the following parasites, consult a veterinarian before beginning any treatment.

Goats, especially kids, are susceptible to parasites such as coccidia and internal worms, which cause symptoms such as diarrhea, weakness, weight loss and poor coat quality.

Internal Goat Parasites

Internal parasites, aka endoparasites, live inside a host animal at whose expense they obtain nutrition and shelter. Many can do a great deal of damage to a goat during the course of their life cycle, while others will peacefully coexist with the goat and cause relatively few health problems. The primary goal of effective parasite control is to interrupt those life cycles, and there are four major categories of endoparasites of concern to goat owners: gastrointestinal nematodes, aka roundworms; lungworms; tapeworms; and Coccidia.

These parasites are passed from one goat to another through consumption of the worm eggs or oocysts. These eggs can be found in persistently wet, soiled places where goats might be eating or grazing.

CAUSES