Dairy goats have had a higher incidence of CL than meat breeds, primarily because the penned method of raising dairy animals gave rise to easier transmission of the bacterium from goat to goat. However, the use of dairy does as recipients for Boer embryos has facilitated the spread of CL , and crossbreeding dairy animals with meat goats has taken it a step farther. First reported in Oregon many years ago, Caseous Lymphadenitis is now a world-wide problem which continues to baffle scientists striving to find either a prevention or a cure . . . Infection occurs primarily through wounds caused by head butting, punctures, and shearing. However, ingestion, inhalation, or penetration through intact skin are also possible, though less likely.
Internal abscesses cause major health problems.
The disease can affect the lungs, liver, and kidneys, respiration may become rapid and difficult, and infertility can result from scrotal abscesses in males. Udder abscesses in females can seriously deplete milk production. External abscesses are most common under the ears in the head and neck region of the goat's body, while internal abscesses usually appear most often in the lungs. Females contract CL at about the same percentage rate as do males. Wethers display a lower incidence of the disease, perhaps because they are generally terminal animals.