Diarrhea in Young Goats & Lambs: Causes & Treatment

Diarrhea in young goats (kids) and lambs can be caused by the factors listed below. When sheep or goats suffer from stomach diseases, their droppings usually become soft, watery, and malodorous. There are various conditions that might lead to diarrhea in goats or sheep.

These encompass colibacillosis, paratyphoid, Johne's disease, Rift Valley fever (Slenkdalkoors), coccidiosis, worms, and poisonous plants.

Colibacillosis in Goats and Sheep

Primarily affecting lambs and young kids under two weeks of age, colibacillosis is triggered by a bacterium. Several factors commonly influence this age group.

The bacterium causing colibacillosis is present in the droppings of sick sheep and goats. When lambs/kids ingest food or water contaminated with these droppings, they fall ill. These animals become lethargic and refuse to eat. They develop watery, whitish-yellow, or greyish diarrhea, known as "white scours."

Lambs or kids require colostrum, their mother's milk, to safeguard against colibacillosis and various other diseases. Failure to consume this milk after birth increases their susceptibility to colibacillosis.

Paddocks or kraals that are excessively dirty and wet can additionally increase the risks of the disease, as well as subjecting lambs or kids to stressful conditions, such as moving them between different places (paddock to paddock or kraal to kraal) or overcrowding them.

Mixing sick lambs or kids with healthy ones also exposes them to colibacillosis infection.

Note: The bacterium causing colibacillosis is present in the droppings of sick sheep or goats. Ingesting food or water contaminated with these droppings can make lambs or kids sick.

Indicators of Colibacillosis in Live Lambs or Kids:

Depression: Infected animals display lethargy and signs of depression. They exhibit reduced activity, reluctance to move, and isolation from the rest of the flock or herd.

Appetite Loss: Affected lambs and kids frequently experience diminished appetite and may reject food or water.

Diarrhea (White Scours): Severe diarrhea with a distinct appearance is a hallmark of colibacillosis. The expelled fluids can be white, yellow, or gray. This type of diarrhea is often termed "white scours" in lambs and young goats.

Inflamed and Swollen Umbilical Cord: In some cases, infected lambs and young kids may exhibit an inflamed and swollen umbilical cord, indicating a potential systemic infection known as omphalitis.

Soiled Back Legs: Frequent and watery diarrhea can soil the back legs of affected animals, visibly signifying the disease.

Dehydration: Intense diarrhea and inadequate fluid intake can swiftly lead to dehydration. If not addressed promptly, dehydration significantly contributes to the disease's progression and fatality.

High Mortality: Untreated colibacillosis can be fatal for lambs and kids, largely due to dehydration and overwhelming bacterial infection.

Signs of Colibacillosis in Deceased Lambs and Kids:

1). Red Gut: The intestines may appear redder than usual, particularly the small intestine, due to inflammation caused by the bacterial infection.

2). Gut Enlargement: Fluid and gas buildup, particularly in the small intestine, can cause gut swelling.

3). Grayish to Yellowish Gut Fluid: The gut contents may contain a grayish to yellowish liquid, indicating severe diarrhea characteristic of colibacillosis.

4). Inflamed and Swollen Organs: Other internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys, may also show signs of inflammation or congestion.

Treatment of Colibacillosis in Kids and Lambs:

Antibiotics can effectively treat colibacillosis. Providing ample drinking water and electrolytes to sick lambs and kids is crucial to prevent dehydration. Mature female sheep and goats (does and ewes) can be vaccinated 6–8 weeks before giving birth to protect their offspring from colibacillosis and various other diseases.

Paratyphoid (Salmonellosis) in Young Goats and Sheep (Kids and Lambs)

This condition frequently affects young goats and sheep and results from bacterial infection. Older lambs, goats, and sheep with 2-4 teeth are typically susceptible (1-2 years of age).

Common Causes of Paratyphoid (Salmonellosis) in Young Goats and Sheep:

Sheep salmonellosis is an infectious bacterial disease that causes illness and death. It arises from the proliferation of Salmonella bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Profuse diarrhea is a common symptom, and pregnant ewes may experience abortion.

Indicators of Salmonellosis in Live Goats and Sheep:

Animals with acute enteritis exhibit fever, lethargy, sunken eyes, and diarrhea. Affected animals may appear hunched, show discomfort in the belly region, and grind their teeth. Diarrhea is watery and might contain blood or mucus.

Elevated fever is a common symptom of infection in animals, often resulting in significantly higher body temperatures.

Unlike some other infectious diseases, animals affected by paratyphoid typically maintain their appetite initially. They may continue to eat despite being unwell.

The most recognizable symptom of paratyphoid in goats and sheep is diarrhea, which manifests as watery, green-colored stools. In more severe cases, blood flecks might be present in diarrhea, indicating potential intestinal injury.

Severe and ongoing diarrhea leads to dehydration in infected animals. If not addressed promptly, dehydration significantly contributes to disease progression and potential fatality.

In certain instances, paratyphoid can advance rapidly, resulting in severe consequences such as septicemia (bacterial infection in the bloodstream). Septicemia can be fatal and lead to a sudden deterioration in the animal's health.

Note: Severe cases of paratyphoid can lead to the death of the animal due to dehydration.

Indicators of Salmonellosis in Deceased Goats or Sheep:

The gut may contain a watery, foul-smelling liquid. Fragments of the Salmonella bacteria may sometimes be found in the stomach.

Treatment of Salmonellosis in Goats and Sheep:

The optimal approach in this scenario is to provide clean drinking water in adequate amounts. If feasible, move the animals to alternative grazing areas that are free of harmful plants rather than sporadically administering activated charcoal.

Several antibiotics, including potentiated sulphonamides, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, have been recommended as effective treatments for salmonellosis in ruminants.

Control of Salmonellosis in Goats and Sheep:

Maintaining good nutrition and parasite control in ewes yields benefits. To safeguard lambs against Salmonella, early colostrum intake is essential after vaccinating the ewes.

Regularly inspect the farm for poisonous plants and remove them. Ensure that sheep and goats have sufficient food to discourage the consumption of poisonous plants.

Exercise caution when introducing new animals to your farm, as they may not yet recognize how to avoid poisonous plants and are more susceptible.

Particular attention should be given during early spring when certain poisonous plants start growing before green grass becomes available.

Conclusion

In the case of Diarrhea (Goat Scours) on your goat or sheep farm, take the following actions: Ensure a steady supply of fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration, and administer electrolytes alternated with clean water, such as Manna Pro Goat Electrolyte, to promote hydration and fluid balance.

Isolate affected goats to prevent disease spread, and segregate sick animals from healthy ones. Consider administering activated charcoal and electrolyte solutions, while also preventing blowfly infestations by cleaning the back legs.

Provide shade, fresh food, and water for animals lying down, and identify the exact cause of illness through consultation with a local veterinarian or laboratory testing of fresh droppings from both healthy and sick animals for appropriate treatment.