A goat got lice – what to do? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved lice shampoo or topical insecticide according to the product’s dosage instructions for goats, then thoroughly clean the enclosure and replace bedding. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
A goat got lice – what to do? - in detail
When a goat becomes infested with lice, immediate action prevents skin irritation, secondary infections, and loss of condition. The following protocol outlines identification, treatment, and prevention.
Identification
- Inspect the animal’s coat, especially the neck, back, and hindquarters, for tiny, grayish insects moving rapidly through the hair.
- Look for signs of itching, hair loss, crusty lesions, or a “peppery” scalp.
- Use a fine‑toothed comb or a bright flashlight to collect specimens for microscopic confirmation if needed.
Treatment
- Isolation – Separate the affected goat from the herd for at least 48 hours to limit transmission.
- Topical insecticide – Apply a licensed ectoparasiticide formulated for small ruminants (e.g., a 0.5 % permethrin spray or a 1 % pyrethrin concentrate). Follow label dosage precisely; coat the entire body, including under the legs and around the ears.
- Systemic medication – Administer an injectable ivermectin dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight, or a subcutaneous doramectin injection at 0.2 mg/kg, as directed by a veterinarian. Repeat after 7 days to disrupt the lice life cycle.
- Environmental sanitation – Clean and disinfect the pen, bedding, and feeding equipment. Use a 1 % sodium hypochlorite solution or a commercial disinfectant effective against arthropods.
- Supportive care – Provide a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins A and E to aid skin recovery. Treat any secondary bacterial infections with appropriate antibiotics based on culture results.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the goat 24 hours after the first treatment; repeat the combing procedure to confirm the absence of live lice.
- Conduct a second inspection seven days later, coinciding with the systemic drug’s second dose, to ensure eradication.
- Monitor the herd weekly for at least one month, focusing on the same high‑risk areas.
Prevention
- Implement a routine ectoparasite control program: apply a topical insecticide every 6–8 weeks during the grazing season.
- Maintain low stocking density and provide ample space to reduce animal‑to‑animal contact.
- Rotate pastures annually and avoid over‑grazed areas where lice thrive.
- Regularly trim hooves and coat to eliminate niches where parasites hide.
Adhering to this structured approach eliminates lice infestations promptly, safeguards herd health, and minimizes economic losses associated with compromised productivity.