| In order to
reduce the spread of any contagious condition at a show, many show committees
are requiring some type of health check prior to entering the show facility.
Animals failing such health checks can be barred from competition if the
owner is advised of such in the entry form. Several forms of such a health
check are currently in use. Some shows or fairs require a health certificate
from a veterinarian. This form of examination is probably the most comprehensive,
but it is also the most costly to the exhibitor since the animal must
be examined by a veterinarian sometime prior to the show. Since such certificates
are good for a period of time (30 days in most states), it does not preclude
the animal contracting or showing symptoms of a contagious disease after
inspection. Many show committees inspect animals prior to being allowed
in the facility either by a veterinarian or a representative of the show
committee. These examinations are brief and meant to detect only the most
obvious contagious conditions.
It is important that these
on-site inspections be done in such a manner that obvious contagious conditions
are detected before the animal enters the show facility. A veterinarian
well versed in contagious diseases of goats is most qualified to do such
health checks. However, the expense of having a veterinarian available
to do such examinations is out of reach for many show committees. More
and more show committees are opting to have such inspections done by an
individual or group associated with the show. With little experience and
systematic method of inspection such examinations can be just as thorough
as those done by a veterinarian. The following is a quick procedure starting
with the ears and ending with the tail which detect most of the obvious
contagious conditions that should be banned from a show facility:
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Ears should be checked
for evidence of ear mites. While not common, they are quite contagious.
Infected animals have accumulations of scale and debris in the ears
and sometimes around the head.
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Eyes should be examined
for abnormal discharge. Goats infected with pink-eye have copious
amounts of tearing, squinting, and occasionally corneal opacities.
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The nose can then be checked
for discharge. Upper respiratory disease commonly causes a purulent
discharge from both nostrils. A small amount of clear discharge is
frequently normal.
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The mouth and lips are
then examined for evidence of sores or scabs which may indicate infection
with the sore mouth virus. Bucks that urinate frequently on their
face may exhibit irritation around the mouth which is normal.
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The neck is then inspected
on both sides from under the jaw to the shoulder joint. Lymph nodes
under the jaw and just in front of the shoulder are commonly involved
in caseous lymphadenitis. These swollen lymph nodes are frequently
quite large and firm. They must be distinguished from wattle cysts
occurring at the base of the wattle and salivary cysts (which are
very soft and fluctuating), neither of which is contagious
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The areas over the withers,
shoulders, and down the flank should be carefully examined for lice
or their nits. They are easily seen with the naked eye. Good light
is necessary and a flashlight can be used if additional light is needed
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The tail and perineum should
be inspected for evidence of diarrhea. And the lymph nodes just behind
the knee can be palpated for evidence of caseous lymphadenitis.
Disposable gloves can be worn between groups of animals. Any questionable
condition should be checked by a veterinarian. Most exhibitors welcome
health inspections if the entry form states that such examinations will
be done. These health checks insure that no obvious contagious problems
enter the show facility and discourage owners from bringing goats suffering
from a contagious disease. Owners exhibiting animals with lesions or conditions
that may mimic a contagious disease should be encouraged to bring an explanation
of the condition from their veterinarian.
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