The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: NormandyMary on May 13, 2012, 08:09:53 pm

Title: Goats and fleas.
Post by: NormandyMary on May 13, 2012, 08:09:53 pm

Do goats get fleas, the same way as dogs and cats? Im only asking as Billy and Toby seem to be scratching themselves a lot lately. I can't see anything, but then again I rarely see them on the moggies. If the answer is yes, then what is the most effective treatment please?

Many thanks,
Mary.

P.S. What about tics too?

Title: Re: Goats and fleas.
Post by: jaykay on May 13, 2012, 08:27:12 pm

I think Suzanne reported her goats had got fleas.

Lice are more common.

I think Frontline would sort both out, usually used for dogs.

Title: Re: Goats and fleas.
Post by: countrywoman on May 14, 2012, 10:27:35 am

Do you need to discard milk when using Frontline?  If so, how long for?  Can it be used on kids?  I'd ask the vet but I'm already learning that the answer to pretty much everything is that it isn't licensed for goats so no-one wants to recommend it!

Title: Re: Goats and fleas.
Post by: Goat-Lady on May 14, 2012, 11:08:33 pm

Have you tried a pour-on treatment for lice and Ivomec for internal parasites

Title: Re: Goats and fleas.
Post by: suzanne@waterfall on May 14, 2012, 11:11:33 pm

You are right jaykay, I did state that they had fleas.
But as I mentioned I was in a quandary as no one had a recommendation for treatment that was permissible while Faith is feeding. The vetinary chemist recommended Nettex Louse Powder which is off licence for use on goats or to use on the animals themselves, however they assured me it was safe and the problem was becoming horrid, we were itching, with just the thought, they were itching and all the other animals had been treated.
So I used it gingerly as a talc on them both on Saturday. Much improved and nearly clear, I'm sure the few left are dead fleas that haven't dropped out yet and it should last about 6 weeks. My heart was in my mouth for the last 2 days though!