Pneumonia in Young Goats: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Pneumonia refers to inflammation of the pulmonary parenchyma, usually accompanied by the inflammation of bronchioles. Pneumonia occurs when infections and non-infectious agents cause the lungs of goats to become inflamed.

The most frequent causes of respiratory infection and death are Pasteurella muitocide or mannheima heamolytica. These two pathogens cause outbreaks of acute pneumonia in goats of all ages, but mostly in young ones. Respiratory infections from these pathogens are associated with poor management practices, occur as a secondary infection, or occur as a consequence of severe stress.

Causes of Pneumonia in Young Goats

Transportation Stress: Long journeys, changes in the environment, and exposure to adverse weather conditions during transportation can weaken the immune system of young goats, making them more susceptible to infections.

Viral Infections: Viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus can weaken the respiratory tract's defense mechanisms and create an opportunity for secondary bacterial infections.

Lung Parasites: Parasites like lungworms can directly affect the respiratory system, leading to inflammation and damage, which can pave the way for bacterial infections.

Prior Bacterial Infections: If goats have had previous bacterial infections, the respiratory system may still be compromised, making it easier for opportunistic pathogens like Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica to cause pneumonia.

Overcrowded Conditions: High stocking densities in pens can lead to increased stress levels, inadequate ventilation, and easier transmission of infectious agents among goats.

Poor Housing Conditions: Inadequate housing with poor ventilation, damp bedding, and unsanitary conditions can contribute to respiratory stress and create an environment favorable for pathogens to thrive.

Sudden Environmental Changes: Rapid changes in temperature, humidity, or weather conditions can stress young goats' immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.

Stressful Conditions: Any form of stress, be it from weaning, introduction to a new group, or other management practices, can weaken the immune system and make goats more susceptible to pneumonia.

The progression of pneumonia often involves a combination of factors, where initial stress or infection weakens the goats' respiratory defenses, allowing secondary bacterial infections (often Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica) to take hold. This can result in acute outbreaks with high mortality rates, particularly in young animals that have less developed immune systems.

Preventing pneumonia in young goats involves comprehensive management strategies.

1. Provide clean and well-ventilated housing to minimize stress and reduce pathogen exposure.
2. Monitor goats for signs of illness and address any issues promptly.
3. Isolate new animals and practice biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of diseases.
4. Consider vaccinating goats against common viral and bacterial pathogens to bolster their immune systems.
5. Implement a parasite control program to manage lungworms and other internal parasites.
6. Minimize sources of stress and provide appropriate nutrition to strengthen the goats' immune systems.
7. Provide sufficient ventilation, comfort, and a short trip distance to reduce stress during traveling.

Note:

In case the adult goats are housed together with young goats, they stand a high chance of suffering from pneumonia more so if the goats stay in the same house day and night there will be urine accumulatation in the house, and due to the urea gas around the house, the shocking smell will cause stress to the young goat and end up suffering from pneumonia.

Clinical Signs of Pneumonia in Goats

Fever: A raised body temperature, indicated by a fever between 104°F and 106°F (40°C and 41.1°C), is a typical indicator of infection and inflammation. This suggests that an underlying problem, such as a bacterial infection in the lungs, is prompting a response from the goat's immune system.

Nasal Mucopurulent Discharge: Refers to a thick, colored discharge from the goat's nostrils. The discharge may be yellowish, greenish, or cloudy in appearance. It indicates inflammation and infection within the respiratory tract.

Moist Nostrils: Increased nasal secretions can lead to damp nostrils. This can be a result of the nasal discharge mentioned above.

Painful Cough: A cough is a reflex mechanism that helps clear the airways of irritants. A painful cough can indicate inflammation and irritation within the respiratory tract, possibly due to the presence of an infection.

Difficulty in Breathing: Also known as dyspnea, difficulty in breathing is a significant indicator of respiratory distress. It can manifest as rapid, labored breathing, flaring of the nostrils, and increased use of abdominal muscles for breathing.

Other Potential Clinical Signs of Pneumonia in Goats can include:

Decreased Appetite: Sick goats often exhibit a reduced interest in eating due to their weakened condition and discomfort.

Depression: Pneumonia in goats can make them appear listless, uninterested in their environment, and less energetic.

Isolation: Sick goats might separate themselves from the rest of the herd, seeking solitude.

Rapid Weight Loss: The combination of decreased appetite and increased energy expenditure due to fever and stress can lead to weight loss.

NB:  Examination of the lungs may reveal crackle-like sounds along with nasal and ocular mucopurulent.

Treatment of Pneumonia in Kids (Young Goats)

Use the following drugs;

1. Penicillin
2. Ampicillin
3. Oxytetracycline
4. Tylosin
5. Flortenical
6. Ceftiofur

NB: In treatment, ceftiofur is the only FDA-approved antibiotic used to treat caprine pneumonia. The daily dosage is 0.5-1.0mg/1b body weight injection intramuscularly.

Common Causes of Lung Problems in Young Goats

Three species of lungworms occur in sheep and goats: large lungworms, Dictyocaulus filaria, and Protostrongylus refescens. These parasites prefer cool environmental conditions. The requirement for a developmental stage in slugs or snails restricts Muellerius and Protostrongylus mainly to cool mountain regions.

Dictyocaulus filarial worms are white, several centimeters long, and thin, with few distinguishing characteristics. They are frequently discovered in foamy debris in the airways (bronchi).

Muellerius capillaries are delicate, thin worms that are tightly coiled within the lungs themselves. Eggs and larvae in slim cases are also present. Usually, these small lungworms are identified by the appearance of grey spots about 2-4mm in diameter on the surface of the lungs.

Protostrongylus refescens is reddish colored and about 16-35mm in length."

Location of These Worms

Dictyocaulus filarial is found in the bronchi of the lungs, while protostrongylus rufescens is found in the smaller bronchioles and Muellerius capillaries, which are deeply embedded in the tissues of the lungs.

Signs of Lungworms in Young Goats

Lethargy: Infected goats may exhibit signs of lethargy and become less energetic than usual. The strain of the infection and the energy used to fight the parasite may be to blame for this.

Weight Loss: Lungworm infections can lead to reduced appetite and subsequent weight loss. The parasites interfere with the goat's ability to effectively absorb nutrients from its diet.

Lung Nodules: Lungworm larvae can travel throughout the lungs, resulting in inflammation and nodule formation. These nodules, which are frequently noticeable during post-mortem investigations, may cause respiratory difficulty.

Coughing: Coughing is a common symptom of lungworm infections. The presence of the parasites in the respiratory tract can irritate the airways, leading to coughing as the goat attempts to clear mucus and larvae from its lungs.

Pneumonia: The lungworms can cause respiratory tissue damage and interfere with the lungs' normal function, which can result in secondary bacterial infections and pneumonia. More severe respiratory distress and clinical symptoms may follow from this.

Goats may also exhibit these additional symptoms of lungworm infection: rapid and shallow breathing, or apparent difficulty in breathing due to the respiratory distress caused by both the parasites and potential secondary diseases.

Nasal discharge: Infected goats can experience nasal discharge, which is a sign of other respiratory illnesses. The discomfort and inflammation brought on by the parasites may be the cause of this discharge.

Weakness: Infected goats might show weakness and fatigue due to the ongoing stress on their bodies.

Wheezing or abnormal breathing sounds can occur due to the inflammation and constriction of airways caused by lungworm infection.

Note:

Lungworms irritate the lining of the airways. The main symptom of lungworm infection in goats is coughing. Infected goats may also have reduced weight gain. At postmortem examination, white thread-like worms are visible either in the airways or in shot-like nodules under the lung surface. Some nodules may contain pus rather than worms.

Diagnosis of Lungworms in Goats

The diagnosis in this situation is difficult, but typically, clinical symptoms like weight loss and coughing are employed whenever possible. Feces are also collected for use in a Baermann apparatus to retrieve the larvae. Post-mortem investigations can reveal the presence of lungworms.

Treatment of lung Worms in Goats

To effectively treat lungworms in goats, it is vital to promptly diagnose and consult a veterinarian for suitable broad-spectrum dewormer administration based on accurate dosing guidelines and appropriate withdrawal periods, subsequently monitoring and practicing pasture management for sustained health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the multifaceted nature of pneumonia and lungworm infections in young goats is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Pneumonia, often triggered by a combination of stressors and opportunistic pathogens like Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica, can lead to devastating outbreaks, particularly in young animals with underdeveloped immune systems.

Effective prevention strategies entail meticulous management practices that encompass proper housing, hygiene, and biosecurity measures. Regular monitoring, prompt attention to signs of illness, and vaccination against common pathogens can significantly bolster kids' immune systems. Minimizing stress factors, ensuring proper nutrition, and providing optimal ventilation during transportation are additional steps that contribute to reducing the risk of pneumonia.

Lungworm infections, caused by parasites like Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus refescens, and Muellerius capillaris, further compound the respiratory challenges faced by young goats. These infections can result in a range of symptoms, including coughing, lethargy, weight loss, and even secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia.

Diagnosis of these infections may be complex, relying on clinical observations, fecal examinations, and post-mortem analysis. However, early detection is key to effective treatment. Collaboration with a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, involving the administration of suitable dewormers, is crucial in restoring goats' respiratory health.