Zoonotic Diseases of Sheep and Goats Zoonotic diseases are contagious diseases that spread between animals and humans. It is estimated that approximately 75% of recently emerging infectious diseases affecting humans are diseases of animal origin; approximately 60% of all human pathogens are zoonotic. Humans can contract zoonotic diseases through direct contact with infected animals, and also by consumption of contaminated food or water, inhalation, arthropod vectors (such as flies, ticks, and mosquitoes) and pests. Below is a condensed list of sheep and goat diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Rabies Rabies is a severe, viral disease that can affect all mammals, including sheep and goats. People most often get rabies from the bite (direct contact) of an infected animal, but can also be exposed to the virus by entry of saliva, brain or spinal cord fluid of an infected animal into cuts or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Early human symptoms include fever, headache, confusion and abnormal behavior . Anthrax Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Spores can infect people through a break or abrasion in the skin after direct contact with infected animals or their products, such as blood, wool or hides. Anthrax can also be inhaled (aerosol) in contaminated dust from the environment or animal products (e.g., hides, wool). Skin infections may occur after handling hides or unprocessed wool from areas were anthrax occurs; redness, and swelling will occur followed by a black scab at the site of infection. Brucellosis Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease caused by members of the Brucella genus. In sheep or goats it is usually caused by B. melitensis or B. ovis and rarely B. abortus (in goats exposed to infected cattle). However, only B. melitensis and B. abortus are considered to be a human health threat. People can become infected by direct contact with infected animal fluids, but there are additional ways to be infected. People who work with animals (e.g., livestock producers, veterinarians) may be at higher risk of exposure to Brucella. Infec-
tion in people may cause re-occurring fever, night sweats, headaches, back pain, and joint pain. Brucella melitensis is a foreign animal disease, so State and Federal veterinarians should be notified immediately of any suspected cases. Contagious Ecthyma (Soremouth) Caused by the orf virus, contagious ecthyma in people is called Orf. People become infected by direct contact with skin lesions or scabs usually on the face and mouth of infected animals. In people, usually only one single lesion (local sore/wound) develops. Mange, Scabies (Acariasis) Mites such as Sarcoptes scabiei (sarcoptic mange) and Psoroptes ovis (psoroptic mange) are easily spread to other animals or people by direct contact with infested animals. Some mites can survive for several days on objects such as clothes, towels, or bedding (indirect/fomite). Infestations of sheep and goats can cause debilitation and damage to the hides and wool. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to dogs
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ShowTec® Goat Sale Prep The ShowTec Goat Sale Prep is definitely the best creep feed and starter product we have ever fed at Blue Team Wethers. The feed is super palatable and has a great aroma. The kids start eating fast. We are extremely pleased with the muscle development and bloom that Sale Prep gives our kids at an early age. We recommend that every one of our customers feed a minimum of one bag of Sale Prep to each goat they purchase from Blue Team Wethers. This product really helps them handle stress and promote muscle development. If you are looking for a product that will give your kids a fast start with research to back it up, give Sale Prep a try! You will be impressed with the results.
Jamie Smith
866-666-7626 • www.MoorMansShowTec.com
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