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Sheuneni Kurasha-Farmer’s Diary
This week’s instalment focuses on dealing with coccidiosis in goats and sheep. It outlines the symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options for managing abscesses, while emphasising practical measures for livestock farmers to maintain the health and productivity of their herds.
Understanding coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease that poses a significant threat to the health of young sheep and goats, particularly lambs and kids.
It is caused by a protozoan parasite known as Eimeria, more commonly referred to as coccidia.
The disease often thrives in communal drinking areas where contaminated water is consumed by animals.
While older sheep and goats can carry the parasite, they usually exhibit no symptoms due to the immunity they have developed over time.
However, they serve as reservoirs of infection, passing the parasite to younger, more vulnerable animals.
Early detection, proper management, and preventative measures are essential to controlling coccidiosis outbreaks. It primarily affects young animals, including lambs and kids.
The parasite attacks and destroys the mucus lining of the intestines, leading to diarrhoea and inflammation. It is important to note that coccidiosis is distinct from scours, a different condition that also results in diarrhoea.
An outbreak of coccidiosis can be devastating, often resulting in the rapid deterioration of affected animals and, if not treated promptly, death.
Symptoms
The key symptoms to look out for in lambs and kids include diarrhoea, which is one of the most common and noticeable signs of coccidiosis.
The diarrhoea may be watery or bloody, and the colour can vary, ranging from brown to yellow or even greenish. As the condition progresses, the affected animal may also experience severe dehydration due to the loss of fluids through frequent and persistent diarrhoea.
Another common symptom is anaemia, which occurs as a result of damage to the intestinal lining and the subsequent loss of essential nutrients.
This can lead to pale gums and lethargy in the animal. Additionally, sick animals often lose their appetite, resulting in weight loss and poor body condition, further weakening their health.
In severe cases, rectal straining can occur, which may lead to rectal prolapse, where part of the rectum protrudes from the anus. This can be painful and exacerbate the animal’s discomfort.
A lamb or kid suffering from coccidiosis may also exhibit a dull and rough coat, a clear indicator of poor health and inadequate nutrition due to the disease. In the post-mortem examination of an animal that has succumbed to coccidiosis, small greyish-white spots may be found on the mucous membrane of the small intestine.
The guts may be filled with fluid and, in severe cases, blood. Such findings confirm the presence of the parasite and the extent of the damage it has caused.
Prevention of coccidiosis
Prevention is always better than cure, and this principle holds true for managing coccidiosis in sheep and goats. As older animals are often carriers of the disease, it is essential to adopt practices that limit the exposure of younger animals to the parasite.
Preventing coccidiosis relies heavily on maintaining strict hygiene standards. Pens and communal areas must be kept clean and dry, particularly during wet seasons when the parasite thrives.
Regular removal of manure, along with the cleaning of water troughs and feeding areas, is essential to avoid contamination.
Separation of young animals from older goats and sheep is another key measure, as this reduces the risk of younger animals ingesting faeces or contaminated material that may carry the coccidia parasite. The use of coccidiostats, drugs that inhibit the growth and reproduction of coccidia, is also an important preventive approach. These can be added to feed during periods when outbreaks are common.
These medications can be administered through feed or as oral drenches, especially during high-risk periods. Proper water and feed management is equally critical. Kids and lambs should always have access to clean water and uncontaminated feed.
Communal water sources, such as ponds or troughs used by multiple animals, need regular monitoring. Contaminated water, especially if it contains faecal matter, should be removed immediately, and fresh, clean water should be provided to prevent the spread of the disease.
Treatment of coccidiosis
Despite the best preventative measures, outbreaks of coccidiosis may still occur, particularly during periods of stress, such as weaning or sudden changes in weather. When symptoms are detected, immediate action should be taken to prevent further spread and reduce mortality rates.
The first step in managing an outbreak is to isolate sick animals from the rest of the flock. This helps control the spread of the disease, giving healthy animals a better chance of avoiding infection. Sulfa-based medicines, such as intertrim, are commonly used to treat coccidiosis in livestock, including goats and sheep.
These medicines are effective against the coccidia parasites that cause the disease.
Sulfa drugs, such as sulfadimidine (also known as sulfamethazine) and sulfamethoxazole, are used for several reasons, including their ability to inhibit the growth of coccidia parasites by interfering with the folic acid synthesis necessary for parasite reproduction and survival.
These drugs are effective against a wide range of protozoan parasites, including Eimeria, which causes coccidiosis in livestock. Sulfa drugs can be administered in different forms, such as via feed, water, or injection, making them versatile for different treatment scenarios.
In addition to treating active infections, sulfa-based medicines can also be used preventively in at-risk animals during times of high stress, such as weaning or transportation.
However, overuse of sulfa drugs can lead to resistance in parasites and may affect the liver or kidneys if not used correctly. Therefore, proper dosage and veterinary guidance are crucial.
It is important to treat not only the sick animals but also the entire group, particularly young animals and their mothers, to prevent the further spread of the disease.
One of the most dangerous aspects of coccidiosis is the severe dehydration caused by diarrhoea. To address this, sick animals should be given water with electrolytes to restore their fluid balance.
A simple electrolyte solution can be made by mixing one spoon of salt and eight spoons of sugar into one litre of warm water.
For unweaned animals, this mixture can be given twice a day in place of milk, though not for more than three days. In addition to the primary treatments, supporting medications may be given to help control diarrhoea.
The key to effectively managing coccidiosis lies in early detection and swift action. If left untreated, the parasite can cause severe damage to the intestinal lining, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and, ultimately, death.
Since young animals are most vulnerable, farmers must be vigilant in monitoring their herds for any signs of illness. It is also important to recognise the impact of stress on the spread of coccidiosis.
Events such as weaning, overcrowding, and transport can weaken an animal’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infection.
Implementing stress-reduction strategies, such as gradual weaning and ensuring that animals have sufficient space, can help to minimise the risk of outbreaks.
Conclusion
Coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease that can cause significant losses in sheep and goat farming if not properly managed. While older animals may carry the parasite without showing symptoms, they can transmit the infection to younger animals, leading to severe illness and even death.
Adopting good hygiene practices, separating young animals from adults, using coccidiostats, and promptly treating outbreaks are key strategies for reducing the prevalence of coccidiosis and protecting the health of flocks.
Sheuneni Kurasha is the managing director of Chivara Farm, a diversified farming operation which specialises in stud breeding for small livestock (Boer goats, Kalahari Red goats, Savanna goats, dairy goats (Saanen and Toggenburg), Damara sheep and Meatmaster sheep) as well as Boran cattle. For feedback, kindly get in touch on email: [email protected]; X: @chivarafarm or WhatsApp: +263 77 2874 523.
Online Reporter