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 Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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