I’ve always been extremely health conscious when it comes to my pet goats.
I know they’re fairly hardy creatures who don’t need a huge amount of maintenance compared to other animals, but I still like to make sure I’m on top of everything as far as their health goes.
One thing I had sometimes heard about but never properly looked into was rabies in goats.
So, I decided to look into the question of rabies in goats.
So, can goats get rabies?
Goats certainly can get rabies, though it is quite uncommon. They are by no means impervious to the infection, but rabies occurs very infrequently in goats. This does not mean you shouldn’t be cautious, and there are more than a few steps you can take to give your goats the best protection.
The unfortunate truth is that, although rabies is very uncommon, once an animal is infected, there is not really any effective treatment.
So, let’s look into identifying rabies and how you can give your goats the best chance against it.
How do goats get rabies?
Goats contract rabies in the same way any animal would, through contact with a rabid wild animal.
Biting is the main way that rabies is transmitted between animals.
Any mammal can carry rabies, though it is much more common in some species than in others.
It is most common in animals like dogs, bats, foxes and raccoons.
So, the most likely way your goat will contract rabies is from contact with one of these animals.
They are common all over the United States and Europe.
It is not impossible for your goats to spread it to one another, though, again, highly uncommon and unlikely.
However, if one of your goats is infected, there is a good chance others are too.
Though the main route of transmission is bites, it can also be transmitted via the saliva of the infected.
What are the signs of rabies in goats?
Goats with rabies will demonstrate a number of different symptoms and signs.
Here are the main things you should look out for.
You may notice a marked shift in their temperament.
Goats infected with rabies may demonstrate excessive fearfulness, or even aggression.
They will become more solitary and unpredictable, and may even shun the rest of the herd.
They may also show signs of depression and self-mutilation.
Conversely, their rabies may make them more affectionate and less fearful.
Bodily signs can also be numerous.
Drooling, difficulty swallowing food, poor balance and even paralysis and seizures are all common symptoms of rabies in goats.
Look for signs around their mouth and face, and if you notice your goat having unexplained seizures or being unable to move, take it to a vet immediately.
How can I treat or prevent rabies in goats?
Unfortunately, as I said, once your goat is infected, there is no effective treatment.
The same is true for any animal that contracts rabies, even humans.
If you think your goat has rabies, seek a vet’s advice immediately and separate it from the herd where possible.
Rabies shots are not commercially available for goats, although they are for other animals.
So, sadly, you cannot immunize your goats against rabies.
That said, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk in the first place.
Naturally, the first thing to know is if rabies is endemic in your area.
Rabies cases vary a great deal across regions, but you can find data about your area online.
If rabies is endemic where you live, think about how well fenced in your goats are, and how easy it would be for wild animals to get in.
It can be difficult to keep the smaller creatures out, as they can either crawl through or climb over.
The presence of goats often will discourage smaller animals from coming around.
Either way, give your goats the best possible protection against being bothered by other creatures by fences and somewhere they can sleep indoors.
There are a few ways you can discourage these pests if you’re noticing signs of them.
You can make repellents out of a variety of household products like vinegar or garlic.
Closing access points as best you can will be your best defense, though.
The animal which most commonly spreads rabies is bats.
This presents a unique problem given that they can fly, so your walls and fences are useless.
First of all, what attracts bats is the presence of insects at night.
If you have a lot of night blooming flowers, you may want to consider moving them away from where your goats sleep.
The flowers will attract insects which, in turn, will attract bats.
Plants that are more likely to discourage bats include dahlias, French marigolds, and thyme, among many others.
There are a variety of other steps you can take to discourage bats.
Shining some bright lights around the exterior of your house is a good way to discourage them.
They tend to avoid well-lit areas.
Many have also reported that bats, being so sensitive, are scared off by strong smells.
Essential oils can be used such as cinnamon, eucalyptus, cloves and others.
All of these scents help to discourage bats.
So, your best chance against rabies is keeping wild animals away from your goats.
They are how the infection spreads, and it is spread by a great variety of animals.
The main offenders you need to be careful of are stray dogs, bats, foxes and raccoons.
Rabies can be a big problem in areas where it is endemic, so arm yourself with all the knowledge you possibly can to best protect your goats.
If you do everything you can to curb wild, rabid animals entering the area where your goats live, you are unlikely to have a problem with rabies.