by Taylor Huffman

Created on: March 13, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2009

Several species of coccidia find ways to plague goats, as well as other livestock. However, there are two primary forms of this protozoan parasite that are particularly pervasive and problematic: "Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae" and "Eimeria arlongi."

A goat needs only to ingest one of the parasite's eggs by accident from its surrounding environment to be affected by Coccidiosis.

This parasite lives and grows within the cells that compose a goat's gastrointestinal tract. After exiting the body by means of bumming transportation on the animal's feces, the parasite needs only a 2-3 day period to mature in order to begin affecting more animals.

The parasite manifests itself in a noticeable loss of appetite, diarrhea that can range from inconsequential to blood-ridden and dark brown, and sadly can lead to the demise of the animal in question. Isolation of the animal's waste is essential in avoiding an outbreak among livestock.

Using feed for the goats that contains a Cocciostat can go a long way in preventing a serious case among your critters. However, there are some options available for treatment. A seriously infected goat cannot be effectively treated, but you should still treat an animal with high infection to reduce the parasitic potency of its waste. Goats suffering from Coccidiosis who can be treated should be put on a five day drug regiment using sulfa drugs. Among sulfa drugs are: sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfaguanidine, tetracycline and amprolium.

The most important thing to remember is that prevention helps avoid treatment. The already mentioned diet containing cocciostats can go a long way in keeping this parasite away from your livestock. We all want to keep our animals healthy, happy, and know that a sick animal does us no good, whether we are keeping them for profitable purposes or as beloved members of the family. By working to keep goats and other livestock "clean," we can ensure success in both of those areas.

Also, a note on treatment: This disease is very serious for those who keep goats, and it is important to remember isolation. An infected animal can literally decimate your entire group of animals. If, however, you employ preventative measures, and carefully manage the cases of Coccidiosis that arise, you will be able to seriously reduce the affect this parasite can have on the group of animals you depend on for your livelihood or happiness.

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