There is a continuum between the two conditions. Dirty tails and hocks are common. There is usually a decrease in appetite and a general unthriftiness. Sick goats generally do not hold their tails up. Severe cases require rehydration or may result in death.
Affected animals are susceptible to secondary infections such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.
In sub-clinical coccidiosis, the symptoms go virtually unrecognized, but there is usually a loss of performance. Outbreaks are less likely under pasture conditions, but can occur under intensive grazing situations and in dry years where animals concentrate around watering areas and mineral feeders. Coccidia are immune or non-responsive to the drugs used to treat other roundworms. Virginia Tech recommends that the dosage for goats be 3 to 5 times the cattle dose listed on the label. Anti-coccidial drugs do not kill the coccidia parasite.