E. coli

E-Coli is one of many causes of diarrhea in goats, found frequently throughout the world. There is a high incidence associated with intensive rearing of kids under conditions of overcrowding and poor sanitation. Under extensive management conditions, the incidence is increased when kidding seasons coincide with periods of extreme weather conditions, especially heat, excessive cold, or heavy rains. Other causes of diarrhea include other intestinal bacteria, viruses, parasites and nutritional factors. There is conflicting data to support whether E-coli is the major cause of diarrhea. A major concern regarding pathogenic E-coli is the public health significance where the organism is responsible for food-borne illness.

Symptoms: Symptoms of animals with an illness affecting the intestinal tract will appear with diarrhea. The character of the diarrheic feces in kids can vary considerably from pasty white to watery brown, but it cannot be used to diagnose the definitive cause of the diarrhea. Prolonged or severe diarrhea results in dehydration, leading to depression, loss of appetite, followed by weakness and possible convulsions. Definitive diagnosis of the causes of diarrhea in young kids may require exhaustive laboratory testing.

Treatment: Treatment consists of fluid therapy and antibiotics.

Prevention: One of the most effective means of controlling the spread of diarrhea is to immediately isolate the animal. Move other exposed kids to a clean pen or remove from contaminated pens to permit disinfection. Allow does to kid in clean, draft-free quarters and do not allow kids to become chilled. They should receive adequate colostrum as early in life as possible. Kids should be housed separately or in small groups of approximately equal age. Bedding should be clean and dry. All utensils should be cleaned and disinfected. Kids should be offered access to hay soon after birth and a grain ration offered by week two to initiate good rumen development and a normal flora, and to avoid subsequent weaning shock. When possible, feed kids in trays or buckets outside the pen to avoid fecal contamination of feedstuffs.

References cited: Mary C. Smith & David M. Sherman : Goat Medicine

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