Question: I have Boer goats. They are now getting a hard swelling under their jaw. I recently had two ewes that died. Antibiotics did not help with the swelling. This is the first time I have had this happen in farming with Boer goats for over 18 years. Do you perhaps know what the cause of death could be?

Answer:

I would advise you if you get another case, that you take the goat to your vet. The vet can stick a thick needle into the swelling and take a sample of it and send it away. Possibly caused by a bacterium, Trueprellapyogenes or Corynebacterium ovis. Vaccinate your goats against these germs.

If a goat dies, a proper post-mortem examination must be done. Other germs may also be involved, such as clubfoot or other germs.

If there is severe pus, the swelling will need to be drained and flushed. Be careful not to spread the pus! Liver fluke infestation must also be kept in mind.

Have you had a manure sample analysed? An immature infestation will also not produce any eggs in the manure.

Written by Dr Faffa Malan, veterinary consultant (dokfaffa@gmail.com)

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