Arthropod pests limit production in the goat industry in many ways. External parasites feed on body tissue such as blood, skin, and hair. The wounds and skin irritation produced by these parasites result in discomfort and irritation to the animal, causing the animals to eat less. Parasites also can transmit diseases from sick to healthy animals. Flies are the primary external parasite.
External parasites can reduce weight gains and milk production. In general, infested livestock cannot be efficiently managed to realize optimum production levels because of the discomfort and disease which result in less fed consumption. Lice are external parasites which spend their entire lives on the sheep or goat. Both immature and adult stages suck the blood or feed on the skin. Goat lice are host specific and only attack goats and their close relatives such as sheep.
