Small Farm, Big Responsibility
Whether you're raising goats for milk, pigs for meat, or a mixed homestead flock, keeping your livestock healthy is the foundation of a productive farm. Unlike dogs and cats, farm animals often mask illness until it becomes serious — making regular observation, preventive care, and fast treatment essential.
Goat Health: What Every Goat Owner Needs to Know
Internal Parasites: The #1 Killer of Goats
Barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is the most dangerous parasite in goats and a leading cause of death in small ruminants. Unlike horses, goats cannot develop strong immunity to internal parasites and are highly susceptible to worm overload, especially in warm, humid climates.
Signs of heavy parasite burden in goats:
- Bottle jaw (fluid accumulation under the chin)
- Pale gums and inner eyelids (use the FAMACHA scoring system)
- Weight loss and poor body condition
- Lethargy and weakness
- Diarrhea (though not always present with barber pole worm)
Deworming goats: Use the FAMACHA system to identify which animals need treatment rather than deworming the whole herd. Common dewormers include ivermectin, fenbendazole, and levamisole. Rotate drug classes to slow resistance, and always dose by weight — goats require higher doses per kg than sheep or cattle.
Common Bacterial Infections in Goats
- Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) — Caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; presents as abscesses on lymph nodes. Highly contagious. No cure, but can be managed through culling and biosecurity.
- Pneumonia — Common in kids and stressed adults. Caused by Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. Treat with penicillin, oxytetracycline, or tulathromycin.
- Enterotoxemia (Overeating Disease) — Caused by Clostridium perfringens types C and D. Prevent with CDT vaccination. Treat acute cases with antitoxin and supportive care.
- Foot rot — Bacterial infection causing severe lameness. Treat with zinc sulfate foot baths and penicillin or oxytetracycline in severe cases.
External Parasites in Goats
- Lice — Cause intense itching, hair loss, and poor condition. Treat with permethrin-based sprays or pour-ons.
- Mites — Cause mange; require miticide treatment and environmental decontamination.
- Keds and ticks — Check regularly and treat with appropriate topical insecticides.
Pig Health: Keeping Your Swine Thriving
Common Health Issues in Pigs
- Respiratory disease (PRDC) — Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria including Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Signs include coughing, labored breathing, and reduced growth. Treat with tetracyclines, tulathromycin, or tiamulin depending on the pathogen.
- Swine dysentery — Caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae; presents as bloody diarrhea. Treat with tiamulin or lincomycin.
- Erysipelas — Caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae; classic diamond-shaped skin lesions, fever, and joint swelling. Penicillin is highly effective when caught early.
- Greasy pig disease (exudative epidermitis) — Caused by Staphylococcus hyicus in piglets; causes greasy, crusty skin lesions. Treat with penicillin or amoxicillin and improve hygiene.
Internal Parasites in Pigs
Pigs are susceptible to roundworms (Ascaris suum), whipworms, kidney worms, and mange mites. A strategic deworming program using ivermectin (injectable or in-feed) or fenbendazole helps keep parasite burdens low. Treat sows before farrowing to reduce transmission to piglets.
External Parasites in Pigs
- Sarcoptic mange — The most common external parasite in pigs. Causes intense itching, skin thickening, and poor growth. Treat with ivermectin (injectable) or doramectin.
- Lice (Haematopinus suis) — Large pig lice cause irritation and blood loss. Treat with permethrin sprays or ivermectin.
Other Livestock: Sheep, Alpacas & More
Sheep
Like goats, sheep are highly susceptible to barber pole worm and benefit from FAMACHA-guided deworming. Footrot, pneumonia, and enterotoxemia are also common. CDT vaccination is essential for all sheep. Treat bacterial infections with penicillin or oxytetracycline as appropriate.
Alpacas & Llamas
Camelids are susceptible to many of the same parasites as goats and sheep, including barber pole worm. They're also prone to heat stress, dental disease, and Mycoplasma haemolamae (a blood parasite). Work closely with a camelid-experienced vet for deworming protocols, as drug dosing differs significantly from other livestock.
Universal Livestock Health Principles
Regardless of species, these practices form the foundation of a healthy herd or flock:
- Quarantine new animals for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing herd
- Vaccinate on schedule — CDT for small ruminants, appropriate vaccines for pigs and other species
- Maintain clean water and feed — contaminated sources are a primary route of disease transmission
- Monitor body condition regularly — weight loss is often the first sign of illness or parasite burden
- Keep accurate health records — track treatments, dewormings, and vaccinations for each animal
- Work with a large animal vet — especially for diagnosis, prescription medications, and herd health planning
Shop Livestock Health Supplies at Paw and Tail Supply
We carry dewormers, antibiotics, vitamins, and health supplies for goats, pigs, sheep, and other livestock. Fast shipping and knowledgeable support — because your animals can't wait.