Zoonotic Diseases

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. 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.

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 .

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

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.

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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-

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

Goat Jerky Recipe

1 cup Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 cup Soy Sauce2 Tsbs. Brown Sugar 2 large Cloves Garlic (crushed) Mix ingredients together, stirring in the brown sugar until dissolved.

Add thinly sliced chevon - 1/8" to 1/4" thick. Trim off all fat. Add meat to marinade mixture. let set, covered in the frig., for at least 6 hours.

and humans, and between humans. People infested with mites from animals will typically experience reddening of the skin, irritation and intense itching (allergic reaction in the skin). Sarcoptic mange is a foreign animal disease, so State and Federal veterinarians should be notified immediately of any suspected cases.

Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

Ringworm is a common fungal disease caused by dermatophytes. People can become infected by direct contact with the spores on an infected animal. The spores may be on the animal’s hair/wool or skin, and can even be on fomites such as brushes or clippers. Dermatophytosis tends to be more common in show lambs than production flocks. Itchiness is the most common symptom, and the spots are generally inflamed at the edge with redness, scaling, and occasionally blistering.

Place in dehydrator or an oven at 150 F degrees. Put jerky strips on a cooling rack and then place rack on a cookie sheet in the middle of the oven. Turn jerky every 2 hrs to ensure even drying. Using the oven it can take 6-8 hrs to dry. Store the jerky in an air tight container for 5 days, refrigerate for 1 week or freeze.

Handling Contaminated Tissues during Lambing or Kidding

Chlamydiosis

Chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease in sheep and goats is caused by Chlamydophila abortus. Pregnant animals can shed large numbers of C. abortus in the placenta and uterine discharges when they abort or give birth. Although rare, people can be infected by direct contact with birthing tissues, but there are additional ways to be infected. In people, animal-associated chlamydiosis causes flu-like signs (fever, body aches, headache), reddened eyes, and pneumonia. Pregnant women should avoid contact with pregnant or aborting animals.

1st Annual

April 8 | Noblesville, IN

Wethers & Market Does sell at 10 a.m. Breeding Stock sells at 2 p.m.

Hamilton Co. Fairgrounds 2003 Pleasant St. | Noblesville, IN 46060

Previews: April 7: 6-9 p.m. | April 8: 8-10 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

Selling 75 head of Breeding Stock, 55 head of Wethers & 25 head of Market Does from these great consignors:

Able Acres Lewis Farm 2M Boer Goats Redden Brothers Livestock Special K Boers Bear Grass Boers River Bottom Boers Miller Boer Goats Knotts Boer Goats Westfall Boer Goats Hillside Stock Farm Wetherell Farm Garriott Farms Sandy Ridge Boers B.A.B. Boer Goats H & H Showstock S & R Meat Goats Chandler Show Stock

Love’s BlueRidge Farm Titan Meat Goats Amped Up Club Goats Sloan and Page Show Goats 5 Star Boers Hunt Boer Goats J & J Boer Goats Smith Show Stock Goretska Show Goats

Mark Lewis: 317.690.9348 | Austin Chandler: 317.840.0407 | Kedrick Miller: 765.894.0505

Contact with infected urine or water

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects many animal species, as well as humans. People usually become ill after contact with infected urine, or through contact with water, but can be infected in additional ways, such as direct contact with infected animals. In people, leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, headache), weakness, vomiting, mental confusion, jaundice (orange/ yellow skin color), and stiff neck.

If you suspect that you have contracted a zoonitic disease, contact your physician for appropriate medication instructions.

Information courtesy of the US Department of Agriculture.