Brucellosis in goats: symptoms and diagnosis, treatment and prevention

The development of brucellosis in goats is considered a very dangerous condition. It poses a threat not only to the livestock itself, but also to people. This is an infectious-allergic pathology caused by zoonotic bacteria. They often provoke the defeat of small ruminants, and goats are no exception. Pathology usually becomes chronic. In this case, the genitals suffer. Also, the disease can affect the musculoskeletal system.

Main causes of disease

Goats get brucellosis due to infection with Brucellus melitensis and other types of bacteria. The ways of infection by microorganisms are diverse. However, most often this occurs through mucous membranes or wounds on the skin. At the same time, no manifestations are visible on their surface.

Infected goats spread pathogens. They spread bacteria with different fluids and feces, which subsequently enter the body. A key feature of brucellosis is considered to be a high risk of damage to individuals of other species. At the same time, the disease is also dangerous for people.

Signs and symptoms

The incubation period of pathology can last from 1 week to 1 month. With a latent course of infection, it reaches 2-3 months. Today, the disease is classified according to the forms of the course:

1. Acute - Duration is 1.5 months.
2. Subacute - lasts up to 4 months.
3. Chronic - lasts more than 4 months.
4. Residual - complications persist after recovery.

Acute brucellosis is characterized by rapid or gradual development. Usually the primary symptoms appear in old individuals.At the same time, pain, sleep disturbances, and weakness appear. These signs indicate inflammation in the joints. However, they are not always present and can be almost invisible.

The main symptom and source of goat infection is abortion. Subsequently, the infection spreads through milk and urine. Little by little, the whole body and places of care become infected. During abortions, a liquid with a lot of bacteria is released. In this case, infection of 60-80% of individuals is observed.

Abortion usually occurs at 3-5 months. A few days before this, the genitals swell, and a colorless liquid with a pronounced odor is released. After an abortion, the following symptoms occur:

• late afterbirth;
• development of endometritis;
• appearance of purulent mucous secretions - sometimes they contain fibrinous elements;
• increase in temperature - observed in acute course;
• strong decline in milk yield;
• weight loss;
• acceleration of erythrocyte sedimentation rate;
• leukocytosis;
• violation of the sexual cycle - observed with damage to the ovaries and fallopian tube;
• infertility;
• damage to the joints and inflammation in them.

Diagnosis of disease

The main method of diagnosis is serological testing. It is recommended that it be carried out in accordance with a specific plan. In this case, it is worth taking samples from goats for 4 months. When you goat, a blood test is mandatory. However, it is recommended to do it 1 month after birth. Otherwise, the results will be unreliable.

It is recommended to take unscheduled samples during abortion. The fetus should be hermetically sealed and collect blood in a test tube. In the presence of discharge from the genital organs, it is also recommended to conduct an examination.

The following parameters are determined in the laboratory:

• rose bengal test;
• agglutination reaction;
• type of response to a linked compliment.

If the first study did not work, and the parameter is 25-50 international units per milliliter, a second diagnosis is performed. It is carried out in 2-4 weeks. If a second examination shows the same result, the diagnosis is confirmed.

If the first test shows an antibody level greater than 100 international units per milliliter, there is no need to confirm brucellosis.

How to properly treat brucellosis in goats

The disease is almost untreatable. Therefore, the attention of the farmer should be directed to the purchase of goats from he althy farms. They need to be checked twice a year for brucellosis.If a disease is detected in the farm, veterinary and sanitary measures are taken. People who have come into contact with infected animals should also be systematically examined.

Sick goats are subject to immediate isolation. In this case, it is recommended to follow all the instructions of the veterinarian. At the same time, people should maintain personal hygiene. Raw milk and raw animal products are strictly prohibited.

Possible consequences

Pathology is practically untreatable and can lead to negative consequences. The disease can bring significant economic harm, as it leads to mass abortions, barrenness, and the culling of productive animals. The appearance of brucellosis in the economy provokes the loss of valuable producers and the cost of anti-epizootic measures. In addition, infected animals pose a danger to humans.

How to prevent infection

The farmer is responsible for the he alth of the goats. To avoid the development of brucellosis, it is recommended to strictly observe sanitary standards for the maintenance, operation, and care of animals.

To prevent such problems, you should follow these rules:

1. When buying goats, inspect and register animals. This is especially true when purchasing goats from unverified suppliers. This should also be done when buying animals from sellers who cooperate with areas of low brucellosis prevalence.
2. Demand documents from the seller for a goat.
3. Quarantine the goat. Its minimum duration should be 2 weeks. However, experts recommend isolating a new animal from the rest of the livestock for 1 month. Then take repeated samples.
4. Do not import animals from areas where there are many cases of brucellosis. The same applies to the delivery of soil, manure, fodder and other similar products.
5. The state of animals must be constantly monitored by veterinary authorities. It is important to monitor the life process of animals and provide them with optimal conditions in order to minimize risks.
6. It is important to observe veterinary and zoohygienic standards when keeping goats and performing various procedures.
7. Immediately report cases, pathologies, abortions of goats to the veterinary authorities.

To avoid problems, it is recommended to vaccinate in time. This applies to the herd and attendants. When pathology is detected, it is important to provide animals for slaughter. For this, as a rule, a double diagnosis is carried out. In case of obstruction in the work of veterinarians or concealment of the fact of the disease, the farmer is fined.

Slaughter of goats with brucellosis is permissible only in special sanitary slaughterhouses.

Even when a single case of the disease is detected, quarantine is usually declared. During this period, animals are forbidden to contact the outside world. Also, you can not bring other individuals into the territory of the farm. Goat waste must not be taken out of the yard.

Brucellosis is a serious pathology that occurs in goats. It can lead to dangerous consequences for the entire livestock and is practically untreatable. Therefore, all the efforts of the farmer should be aimed at preventing the disease.

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