Prevent Caseous Lymphadenitis, CL in Goats
In the idyllic world of goat farming, where frolicking kids and the gentle hum of contented goats paint a picture of serenity, a formidable threat looms beneath the surface. It's called Caseous Lymphadenitis, or CL, and it's a relentless foe that can wreak havoc on even the most meticulously managed herds. As goat enthusiasts, it's our responsibility to safeguard the health and well-being of our beloved caprine companions, and that means understanding how to both treat and prevent Caseous Lymphadenitis, CL in goats.
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I am not a veterinarian, this is only an example of what we do with our animals. Please consult your vet before making any health decisions with your animals.
In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey into the world of Caseous Lymphadenitis in goats. We will explore proactive measures to keep your goats healthy and thriving. Join me as we equip ourselves with the knowledge and strategies needed to combat this challenging adversary and ensure the vitality of our cherished goats.
Unmasking Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) in goats
Before diving into the intricacies of preventing CL, I'd like you to check out my previous article on Caseous Lymphadenitis or CL in Goats. In that post, I delve into the following:
What CL is?
How do goats get CL?
How does CL present in goats?
What do CL abscesses look like?
Can humans get CL from their goats?
How to test your goats for CL?
What is CL?
In review, let's understand the enemy we're up against. Caseous Lymphadenitis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. This bacterium primarily targets lymph nodes and can manifest itself in two forms:
- Internal CL: This form is more common in sheep herds, but can also occur in goats. In this form, the infection remains hidden within the lymph nodes and shows no external symptoms. Internal CL can be particularly challenging to detect, making it a silent threat to your herd.
- External CL: This form results in the formation of abscesses on the skin, usually around the head, neck, and shoulders. These abscesses can rupture, releasing contagious pus that can infect other goats.
There is currently no cure for CL in goats.
Diagnosis and Early Detection of CL in Goats
Early detection is crucial in managing CL effectively. Here are some signs to watch for:
- External Abscesses: Goats are prone to abscesses. Most of the time an external abscess is caused by a scratch, or a piece of foreign material like a sliver of straw or a thorn stuck into the skin. However, if you notice swelling or lumps around your goat's head, neck, or shoulders, (Lymph node locations) it's essential to investigate further. These could be the result of CL abscesses.
The following symptoms develop as the disease advances.
- Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss: Infected goats may lose their appetite and start losing weight.
- Lethargy and Fever: CL can cause goats to become lethargic and run fevers, which are signs of systemic infection.
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: In severe cases, CL can affect the respiratory system, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
How to prevent CL in goats?
There's a saying that if you don't have CL yet, you will. CL is highly contagious and can be transferred from animal to animal through contaminated equipment, fencing, pasture, and even flies. That means if there's an infected animal at a neighboring farm, a fly can pass it to your herd. The insect might land on the pus of an infected animal and bring the bacteria to your goat barn.
With this thought it seems like preventing CL might be impossible. But there are things you can do to lessen your chances of your goats getting CL.
Keep a closed herd to prevent CL
Every time one of your animals leaves your property there is a chance of encountering CL. If you take your animals to shows or fairs, or if you send your bucks to breed, or your females to a buck, it increases their chances of contracting CL. We've always kept a tested buck on our farm for breeding and we don't participate in fairs. But if you do (and I'm not discouraging anyone from the enjoyment of bringing your animals to the fair or outsourcing for breeding purposes) just know that you should be extra diligent in monitoring the health of your herd.
Anytime you bring a new goat onto your property, there is a chance of getting CL. So if you buy a new goat, you should quarantine it until it can be tested.
If you do rent a buck for breeding ask to see if the goat has been tested for CL. Only allow CL-free animals on your property.
Use biosecurity measures
Don't allow outside people to walk in your pens or in your pasture. Especially people who have farms. Their shoes can be holding contaminants. Likewise, keep your own barn shoes/boots for your barn only. Don't wear them to the feed store and then in your animal areas.
General health and sanitation
Keeping your animals in good health with proper nutrition, clean living areas, and adequate pasture will go miles in keeping disease away and immune systems strong. Buckets and feeders should be cleaned and sanitized periodically. And most of all, spend time with your goats every day. You'll be able to notice when something isn't right and you'll be able to diagnose problems early on.
Test your herd regularly for CL
We test our herd once per year with a complete lab panel for common diseases which includes CL and pregnancy. New animals should also be tested before being added to your herd.
How to Send a Goat Blood Sample to a Lab
The CL Vaccine
A few years ago there was a Caseous Lymphadenitis vaccine available to goat owners. However, that vaccine has since been pulled from the market.
There is a CL vaccine available to sheep that some people use on goats, but it is not recommended. It can cause muscle stiffness, fever, swelling and redness at the injection site and abortion in pregnant does.
Be sure to check out my next post to learn how to treat CL.
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