Goat Abortion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Goat abortion is a significant concern for goat owners worldwide, leading to economic losses and emotional distress. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of goat abortion is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive herd. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of goat abortion, drawing on scientific sources to address the questions most frequently asked by goat owners online.

What Causes Abortion in Goats?

The sources indicate that there are numerous potential causes of goat abortion, categorized as either infectious or non-infectious.

Infectious causes account for approximately 50% of goat abortions, and a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be involved.

Non-infectious causes include factors such as:

Medication: Prostaglandins and corticosteroids can induce abortion, and levamisole has been linked to late-term abortions.
Trauma and Stress: Stress can trigger the release of prostaglandins, leading to luteolysis and subsequent abortion. Heat stress can also cause fetal hypoxia, leading to abortion.
Developmental Abnormalities: Fetal abnormalities, sometimes hereditary, can lead to spontaneous abortion.
Multiple Fetuses: Placental insufficiency due to multiple fetuses can result in abortion or premature birth.
Poisons: Certain plants, such as Astragalus and Lathyrus species, can cause abortion. Other poisons may lead to systemic illness and subsequent abortion.
Malnutrition: Starvation, especially in late pregnancy, can cause abortion. Deficiencies in minerals like manganese and prolonged vitamin A deficiency can also contribute.
Mycotoxins: Mycotoxins with estrogenic activity may be a factor in goat abortion.

What are the Common Signs of Goat Abortion?

Often, the most obvious sign of abortion is the expulsion of the fetus. However, depending on the cause and stage of gestation, other signs might be present:

Vaginal discharge: A mucopurulent discharge is typical after an abortion, particularly in cases of Campylobacter infection.
Fever and lethargy: Some does may exhibit fever and lethargy around the time of abortion.
Retained placenta: This can occur after abortion, particularly with Listeriosis.
Metritis: Inflammation of the uterus (metritis) can follow an abortion.

How is Goat Abortion Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the cause of goat abortion relies heavily on laboratory investigation. It’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect an abortion and follow their instructions for sample collection and submission.

Here’s a breakdown of the diagnostic process:

Initial Assessment: The veterinarian will gather information about the herd’s history, including vaccination status, previous abortions, feeding practices, and potential exposure to infected animals.
Clinical Examination: The doe will be thoroughly examined for any signs of illness that might provide clues about the cause of abortion.
Laboratory Investigation: The veterinarian will submit samples to a diagnostic laboratory. Ideally, samples from every abortion should be tested, but this may not be economically feasible. Clusters of abortions should always be investigated, as should sporadic abortions affecting more than 2% of the herd.
Sample Submission: Proper sample submission is essential for accurate diagnosis. The preferred samples are the fetus and placenta collected into a sealed bag, kept separate for each doe.
Testing: A variety of tests can be performed, including:
- Microscopy: Examination of smears from the placenta, fetus, or doe’s vagina can identify certain pathogens.
- Culture: Growing the infectious agent from fetal tissues or fluids can help identify the cause.
- Serology: Blood tests can detect antibodies against specific pathogens.
- PCR: This highly sensitive test can detect the genetic material of infectious agents.
- Histopathology: Examining tissues under a microscope can reveal characteristic lesions caused by specific pathogens.
- Immunohistochemistry: This technique can be used to detect specific antigens in tissues.

How to Prevent Goat Abortion?

Preventing goat abortion involves a multi-faceted approach, combining good management practices, biosecurity measures, and vaccination. Here are key steps you can take:

Management Practices:

Maintain a clean and stress-free environment: Reduce stress by providing adequate space, shelter, and a consistent routine.
Provide proper nutrition: Ensure goats receive a balanced diet with sufficient energy and minerals, especially during pregnancy.
Isolate sick animals: Immediately separate any goats showing signs of illness to prevent the spread of potential infections.

Biosecurity:

Quarantine new animals: Isolate newly purchased goats for a period to observe them for any signs of disease before introducing them to the herd.
Control access to the farm: Restrict access to the farm to prevent the introduction of pathogens from outside sources.
Disinfect equipment: Regularly clean and disinfect all equipment, including feeders, waterers, and birthing areas.

Vaccination:

Vaccinate against preventable diseases: Consult with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your area and herd. Vaccinations are available for some of the most common causes of abortion, including chlamydial abortion and toxoplasmosis.

Specific preventative measures based on the sources include:

Chlamydial Abortion: Cull live kids born to infected does and treat all pregnant goats in the herd with tetracyclines.
Toxoplasmosis: Prevent cats from accessing grain stores, feeding troughs, and hay barns. Destroy products of abortion immediately and control rodents and birds to reduce the reservoir of infection.
Campylobacter: Segregate and cull aborting animals immediately and dispose of abortion material and contaminated bedding properly.
Q-fever: Practice good personal hygiene when working with an infected herd, especially during kidding. Dispose of kidding products immediately and properly.
Sarcocystosis: Prevent dogs and other carnivores from eating raw meat, offal, or dead animals. Keep feed supplies covered and restrict access to feed storage and animal housing areas.

Zoonotic Considerations

Several of the infectious agents that cause goat abortion can also infect humans (zoonotic diseases).

Pregnant women are particularly at risk and should take extra precautions when handling goats or their products.

The following pathogens are zoonotic and warrant special attention:

Chlamydophila abortus: Can cause severe illness in pregnant women.
Toxoplasma gondii: Can cause serious birth defects if a woman is infected during pregnancy.
Campylobacter: Causes acute gastroenteritis in humans.
Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever): A significant zoonotic risk, particularly for people working closely with livestock. Infection typically occurs through inhalation of contaminated dust but can also occur through contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized milk.
Brucella melitensis: Causes Malta fever in humans, typically through consumption of infected milk.
Sarcocystis: Human infection is rare but can occur through ingestion of undercooked meat.

Always wear gloves when handling aborted material and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.

Remember, this information is intended for general knowledge and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies specific to your goats.