This information is provided by the Oklahoma State University Extension
Mites: | Late fall through early winter & late spring is the time typically to watch for signs of mites. |
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Goats can be infested by several species of mites, but the species more commonly found on goats are goat follicle mite (Demodex caprae), scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), psoroptic ear mite (Psoroptes cuniculi), and chorioptic scab mite (Chorioptes bovis)
Lice: | Late fall through late spring is the typical season for lice in goats.. |
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Lice (Order: Phthiraptera) are wingless, flattened, permanent ectoparasites of birds and mammals. The development of lice is slightly different when compared to other external parasites. They go through incomplete development, where the immatures are known as nymphs and look similar to adults (Figure 1). More than 3,000 species have been described, mainly parasites of birds. Lice infest a wide range of domestic livestock, including pigs, cattle, goats and sheep, causing a chronic dermatitis (pediculosis), characterized by constant irritation, itching, rubbing and biting of the hair or fleece. Goat lice are host specific and only attack goats and their close relatives such as sheep.
Lice are divided into two main groups: the Anoplura (sucking lice) and Mallophaga (chewing or biting lice). Biting lice have chewing mouthparts and feed on particles of hair, scabs and skin exudations. Sucking lice pierce the host’s skin and draw blood. Louse-infested animals may be recognized by their dull, matted coat or excessive scratching and grooming behavior. The irritation from louse feeding causes animals to rub and scratch, causing raw areas on the skin or loss of hair. Weight loss may occur as a result of nervousness and improper nutrition. Milk production is reduced up to 25 percent. Also, the host is often listless and in severe cases, loss of blood to sucking lice can lead to anemia.
Lice are generally transmitted from one animal to another by contact.
Treatment of Mites & Lice in Goats
For Treatment and Control of Internal and External Parasites: Eprinex
NOTE : This is a Beef & Dairy cattle product FDA approved and available with no prescription. If you use it for goats and sheep you are using it off-label. It is your responsibility to consult your Vet.
Dosage: Some suggest using it at the rate of 1cc/20lbs in a syringe with no needle dribbling along the back line from neck to tail- directly on the skin for the control and effective removal of Biting lice and other external parasites.
NOTE: Even though this is also a dewormer, it has not yet been proven effective on all types of parasites. You will still need to deworm your goats for internal parasites.
Eprinex Pour-On: A broad-spectrum parasite control product. Backed by Merial's Satisfaction Guarantee! EPRINEX is weatherproof and has no meat withdrawal or milk withholding. Apply along back onto skin.
MODE OF ACTION: How it works
Eprinomectin is a member of the macrocyclic lactone class of endectocides which have a unique mode of action. Compounds of the class bind selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells.
This leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions with hyperpoloarization of the nerve or muscle cell, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite. Compounds of this class may also interact with other ligand-gated chloride channels, such as those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
The margin of safety for compounds of this class is attributable to the fact that mammals do not have glutamate-gated chloride channels, the macrocyclic lactones have a low affinity for other mammalian ligand-gated chloride channels and they do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.
Sores & Scabs Treatment
In severe cases, you may see your goat itching especially its legs and loss of hair around the eyes and ears and legs especially. They can itch and bite so much that the goat gets sores and scabs.
What to do:
3 Steps for treatment as follows.
1. Treat with Eprinex
2. Treat sores and scabs on legs and also apply to the inside of the goats ears, a product called: Nu-Stock Wound Cream.
3. Re-treat with Eprinex in 3 weeks. Only when you see the hair growing back, discontinue treatment every 3 weeks with Eprinex.
Dosage for goats is double what it is for cattle--use this chart:
EPRINEX Pour-On Dose Guide for Goats |
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Goat weighing 5-10 lbs needs 1/2 ML Eprinex topical applied onto skin, along spine Goat weighing 11-15 lbs needs 1 ML Eprinex topical onto skin, along spine Goat weighing 16-22 lbs needs 2 ML Eprinex topical onto skin, along spine Goat weighing 23-32 lbs needs 2.5 ML Eprinex topical applied onto skin, along spine Goat weighing 33-42 lbs needs 3 ML Eprinex topical onto skin, along spine Goat weighing 43-63 lbs needs 3.5 ML Eprinex topical onto skin, along spine Goat weighing 64-84 lbs needs 4 ML Eprinex topical onto skin, along spine |
Additional note about Eprinex: (vetsurgeon.org) states: Eprinex is effective against the adult stages of the major gutworm species affecting sheep and goats and the lungworm Dictyocaulus filaria. I am currently dealing with a goat with lungworm and lice so perhaps Eprinex treatment will clear both up! I will let you know what I find.