Farm & Ranch
Toxoplasmosis in Goats
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Abortions in small ruminants is caused by a variety of microorganisms. One microorganism that is found throughout the world and can cause reproductive issues in small ruminants is Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is one of the most common parasites of small ruminants. In addition to small ruminants, this parasite infects many other animals and humans. Cats play a central role in maintaining and transmitting the parasite. Although sheep get toxoplasmosis, the disease is much more severe in goats.
Cats are the definitive host of T. gondii. Cats become infected with the microorganism when they ingest rodents, uncooked meat scraps or aborted infected fetuses and/or placentas from sheep and goats. Usually, cats do not show any clinical symptoms of the disease. The parasite replicates in cats and is passed in their feces. Feed, hay, grass, and water contaminated with cat feces is the source of infection for small ruminants. Once the organism is ingested by a goat, it enters the blood and spreads to other tissues. If the animal is pregnant, the parasite will invade the placenta and spread to the fetus which may result in death of the fetus, abortions, stillbirths, or birth of weak kids. Infected goats may give birth to normal kids as well.
To read more pick up a copy of the January 2022 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.
Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.
The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Tressa Lawrence
Babies are tucked away in every nook and cranny. Many ranchers across Wyoming have baby animals popping up all over this time of year.
By Lindsey Monk
Another load of grain in to keep feeding the calves until the green grass can really start popping.
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