Understanding and Managing Coccidia in Goats

Coccidia, a protozoa that infects young goats, is one of the most critical health challenges goat owners face. Left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to the intestinal lining, resulting in lifelong poor health and stunted growth. This guide outlines prevention and treatment strategies to control coccidia effectively.

What is Coccidia?

• Coccidia is not a worm but a protozoa that infects goats, especially when they are young.
• It causes intestinal damage by attacking the cyia, the structures responsible for nutrient absorption.
• Symptoms of Severe Infection:
  • Watery diarrhea (scours).
  • Poor coat condition (rough or pot-bellied appearance).
  • Stunted growth and lifelong health issues if untreated.

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Prevention of Coccidia

Proactive prevention is crucial, as coccidia can cause severe and lasting damage if left unchecked.

1. Preventative Medications:

• Toltrazuril (Toltra):
  • Commonly referred to as Toltrazuril or TLRA, this horse medication is highly effective as a coccidia preventative in goats.
  • Dose: Administer at 30, 60, and 90 days of age. Retest and possibly retreat at six months.
  • Benefits: Reduces outbreaks and long-term damage.
• Calf Pro:
  • A coccidia preventative designed for cattle but effective in goats.
  • Add small amounts to bottles or feed.
  • Note: Best suited for large herds due to its packaging size (large gallon containers).
• Medicated Feeds:
  • Use grower feeds with coccidiostats to reduce the risk of infection.

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Treatment for Coccidia

Once symptoms appear, prompt treatment is essential to prevent severe intestinal damage.

1. Recommended Treatments:

• SMZs (Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim):
  • Effective and affordable antibiotic for coccidia treatment.
  • Dosage: Half a pill for young kids (under 30 days), one pill for older kids (60-90 days).
  • Administer once daily for five days.
  • Advantages: Quickly hardens stools and addresses secondary bacterial infections.
• Toltrazuril:
  • Can be used for active outbreaks, but it is costly and less efficient compared to SMZs for treatment.
  • Dosage: 5 mL per 100 pounds of body weight.
• Bactrim (Alternative to Toltrazuril):
  • Another option, but it is generally more expensive.

2. Avoid Using Corid:

• Corid (Amprolium) is a common recommendation by vets but is not ideal for goats.
  • Causes severe stress to the goat’s body.
  • Requires additional Vitamin B injections to prevent goat polio due to its effect on thiamine levels.

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Practical Steps to Manage Coccidia

1. Monitor Symptoms:
   • Watch for diarrhea or other signs of infection, especially in goats between 45 and 60 days old.
2. Act Quickly:
   • Treat immediately at the first sign of coccidia. Delaying treatment can lead to severe intestinal damage or death.
3. Maintain Hygiene:
   • Keep living areas clean and dry to reduce exposure to coccidia protozoa in the environment.
4. Regular Testing:
   • Test at key milestones (30, 60, 90 days, and six months) to ensure effective prevention and treatment.

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Key Takeaways

1. Prevention is Best: Use Toltrazuril or medicated feeds to avoid outbreaks.
2. SMZs for Treatment: Affordable, effective, and better tolerated than Corid.
3. Avoid Corid: Its side effects outweigh its benefits for goats.
4. Monitor and Retest: Regular health checks and testing ensure your goats stay healthy.

By adopting these strategies, you can effectively control coccidia in your goat herd, ensuring strong, healthy growth and reducing the risk of long-term complications.