External problems are the simplest to detect. Ticks, lice and other such parasites, though not terribly common in this area, can be easily detected and eliminated early. The extension service has several proven remedies for parasites, he said. Other problems, such as mouth and skin sores, can be treated with vaccines, though Laughlin warned that the best defense against recurrence is culling the infected animals. While many of the external ailments are more unsightly than problematic, it's best to get them out of the herd when they are detected, he said.
Internal infections are a bit harder to detect, but can likewise be treated if caught early.
Laughlin suggested fecal sampling, ultrasounds and monitoring the goats' physical mannerisms as points for early detection. Infected goats won't be as active, he said. Often, they show signs of discomfort when they urinate or defecate, or they may even look bloated or anemic. Drenching, or orally medicating the animals with prescribed doses of medicines known as anthelmintics, can cure most internal digestive problems, Laughlin said. Some producers drench their animals regularly, as often as every month, though the specialist indicated that goats can get by with as few as two or three drenches per year.