Lice and flies are the primary insect pests of goats. Biting lice are of particular concern to mohair producers. The first step in dealing with any problem is to determine the cause. Without proper pest identification, one has no basis for effective control measures. However, dermatitis or various other causes can produce similar effects.
Diagnosis requires close examination.
Keds and lice spend their entire life cycle on the host's bodies. They spread from host to host by contact. Keds and lice are wingless and cannot spread between herds if strict separation by several yards or more is maintained. All incoming animals must be isolated and treated until inspection shows them to be free of these pests before mixing with the resident flock. Insecticide Use and Safety Different application methods are required for different insecticides.