Coccidia is a parasitic infection that impacts the intestinal tract of goats and can cause serious health issues, especially in young goats. There are many reasons why kids are more susceptible but the main reason is their immature immune system. The immune systems of goats younger than 6 months old are still developing and struggle to fight off coccidia infections. The stress of weaning can also weaken their ability to resist infections. However, as the kid’s immune system develops it will become capable of managing coccidia infections and as an adult will not suffer severe health issues from coccidia. In fact, many adults goats always have a small number of coccidia parasites in their body and are perfectly healthy.
Symptoms
Coccidia infection in kids can present with a range of symptoms, which may vary depending on the severity of the infection. It’s important to keep a close eye on your kids and note any changes in their behavior and physical health. Common symptoms of coccidia include:
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Diarrhea: The hallmark symptom of coccidiosis is diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody. Diarrhea can range from mild to severe but must be treated promptly. The intestinal tract may suffer long-term damage if the issue is not addressed.
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Dehydration: Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, characterized by sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes in the mouth, gums, and eyes, and lack of energy.
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Loss of Appetite/Weight Loss: Chronic diarrhea and dehydration can lead to weight loss and poor body condition. This may be accompanied by reduced appetite and lethargy.
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Weakness: Infected goats may appear weak, lethargic, and reluctant to move or eat. They may spend more time lying down and may try to isolate themselves from the rest of the herd.
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Rough coat: Coccidia-infected goats may develop a rough or unkempt coat due to poor nutrition and overall health status. This can be a secondary symptom resulting from the effects of coccidia on the digestive system.
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Death: If left untreated, coccidiosis can be fatal. Death may occur due to dehydration, malnutrition, or secondary infections.
Treatment
If you begin to notice any of the above symptoms in your goats and suspect coccidia, its highly recommended that you send a fecal sample to your veterinarian to confirm that coccidia is the issue. Once a coccidia infection is diagnosed, your veterinarian will prescribe a treatment plan. However, if you do not have a veterinarian nearby and are looking for non-professional advice on treating coccidia there are some solutions.
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CORID: CORID is a anti-coccidial medication that can be administered in two ways (1) mixing into the water supply or (2) via oral drench. It is very important to read the label on the bottle and follow the instructions carefully to avoid giving too much, or too little, medication to your goat. CORID can be found at local feed stores or Tractor Supply.
NOTE: CORID is harsh on a goat’s system and impacts their Vitamin B12 levels. Plan to provide Vitamin B complex subcutaneous injections along with treatment of CORID. Do not overdose and do not give to goats without a confirmed case of coccidia.
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Electrolytes: Because coccidia often causes dehydration, electrolyte solutions can be offered to goats to encourage rehydration. Goat specific electrolyte packs can be added to the water supply, given with a bottle, or given with an oral drench if a goat is very weak. Electrolytes alone will not resolve the coccidia, it only helps with dehydration.
Veterinarians in the US will typically prescribe Albon to treat coccidia. It is administered over 5 days orally. If you are outside the US, Baycox is also a great option (we do not have access to it since it is not approved in the US).
Prevention
Preventing coccidia will save you the stress of treating a sick goat and keep your herd healthy. Some strategies to prevent coccidia infections include:
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Clean and dry living conditions: Maintain clean and dry barns, pens, and shelters, to minimize the buildup of moisture and fecal contamination. Regularly remove soiled bedding and feces to prevent the accumulation of coccidia in the environment.
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Pasture management: Practice rotational grazing and allow pastures to rest between grazing periods to reduce the risk of coccidia contamination. Avoid overcrowding and overgrazing, as these conditions increase exposure.
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Feed and water management: Provide clean and fresh feed and water sources to ensure optimal nutrition and hydration. Avoid feeding on the ground and use raised feeders to minimize fecal contamination. Check out more on what to feed you goats here!
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Quarantine and screening: Quarantine new and sick goats before re-introducing them to the herd and screen them for coccidia and other parasites. This helps prevent the introduction of coccidia-infected animals into the paddock and reduces the risk of spreading the infection.
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Regular monitoring: Monitor goats regularly for signs of coccidia infection, such as diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, reducing the severity and spread of the infection.