Backyard Goat Safety

With the ever growing popularity of homestead life and being more sustainable so many people are moving towards having goats in their backyards. We know that chickens have become a popular backyard pet because it creates breakfast for its owner (as long as you have hens) but goats are becoming very popular in many areas other than the rural spots where we grew up seeing them being used as lawnmowers on steep hills. Backyard goat safety is something that needs to be a priority when deciding if these pets are right for your homestead.

Zoonotic disease (diseases of animals that can transfer to humans) can be majorly prevented with some basic tips that we will share below.

As someone who has owned many types of animals I found goats to be the hardest to keep. They can be sensitive to changes in atmosphere, environment and can become ill quickly often advancing into life changing situations quickly. They are also temperamental when it comes to attitude and have a tendency to resort to ramming or biting when push comes to shove. Lets not even discuss the fainting ones that will literally just fall out no matter where they are. At the end of the day while I still love the and think they have the most beautiful eyes of many other farm animals I have personally had. Lets look at some diseases that goats can carry and what we as humans can do to stay safe from them.

Q-Fever: An infection caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, is most commonly associated with sheep, although goats, cattle, and other mammals can be sources of infection. Infected ruminants are usually asymptomatic. The bacteria are shed in the urine, feces, milk and, most importantly, birth products (placenta, amniotic fluid, blood and soiled bedding) of infected animals. Q-Fever is spread by aerosolization of infected body fluids. Disease transmission can be reduced by careful disposal of birth products.  In most cases, Q-Fever is manifested by flu-like symptoms that usually resolve within 2 weeks and can be sometimes misdiagnosed as the flu.  However, it can be severe in those with other health issues and can lead to pulmonary and cardiac complications. Respiratory protection should be used during the birthing process.

Contagious Echthyma (Orf): This poxviral disease is known as contagious echthyma, or sore mouth in sheep and goats and orf in people. In ruminants, it is evidenced by exudative (draining) lesions found on the muzzle, eyelids, oral cavity, feet or external genitalia. It is more common in younger animals. In ruminants, the disease is highly contagious to humans and other animals. Infected sheep or goats are the source of infection to people.  Transmission can be by direct contact with lesions or indirectly from contaminated objects such as hair or clothing. This is a self-limiting infection that is usually found on the hands.  It consists of painful nodules (bumps), cutaneous ulcerative lesions (open sores), and usually lasts 1-2 months.

Rabies:  Rabies virus (rhabdovirus) can infect almost any mammal. The source of infection to people is an infected animal.  The virus is shed in saliva 1-14 days before clinical symptoms develop. Any random-source (animal with an unknown clinical history) or wild animal exhibiting central nervous system signs that are progressive should be considered suspect for rabies. Transmission is through direct contact with saliva, mucus membranes, or blood, e.g. bite, or saliva on an open wound. The incubation period is from 2 to 8 weeks, possibly longer. Symptoms are pain at the site of the bite, followed by numbness. The skin becomes quite sensitive to temperature changes and laryngeal spasms are present. Muscle spasms, extreme excitability, and convulsions occur. Rabies in unvaccinated people is almost invariably fatal. 

Other Diseases: Brucellosis, salmonellosis, giardiasis are other diseases that can be transmitted through contact with goats.  In humans, these diseases initially exhibit as an acute gastrointestinal illness (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea).

Protecting Yourself

• Wash your hands. The single most effective preventative measure that can be taken is thorough, regular hand washing. Wash hands and arms after handling goats. Never smoke, drink or eat in the animal areas or before washing your hands.
• Wear protective clothing. When working with goats, wear appropriate coveralls and foot wear, and remove them after completing your work.
• Wear respiratory protection. Dust masks should be worn during grooming or if you already have allergies and you are outside in dusty areas.
• Seek Medical Attention Promptly. If you are injured on the job, promptly report the accident to your supervisor, even if it seems relatively minor. Minor cuts and abrasions should be immediately cleansed with antibacterial soap and then protected from exposure to dirt or animal secretions. For more serious injuries or if there are any questions, employees should report to Occupational Health Services.
• Tell your physician you work with goats. Whenever you are ill, even if you’re not certain that the illness is work-related, always mention to your physician that you work with goats. Many zoonotic diseases have flu-like symptoms and would not normally be suspected. Your physician needs this information to make an accurate diagnosis. Questions regarding personal human health should be answered by your physician.

For more farm animal safety tips keep an eye on Make Food Safe and happy homesteading!