Yersinia in Goats
Yersinia are a type of bacteria and are a significant cause of disease in goats.
Yersinia are found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract of many animals, including pigs, rodents, rabbits, sheep, cattle, horses, dogs, cats and wild birds.
Two species of Yersinia can cause disease in goats, Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
Disease in goats due to Yersinia often goes away on its own without treatment. However, treatment may be needed for more severe or complicated infections.
Signs of Yersinia Infection in Goats
Diarrhea in goats of all ages but most commonly in kids 1-6 months old.
Watery diarrhea without blood in the feces.
A high death rate in kids, with some kids dying suddenly.
A more chronic illness with intermittent diarrhea, weight loss, anemia and bottle jaw. In some animals this resembles infection with Barber’s Pole Worm or Liver Fluke.
Internal abscesses that can sometimes resemble the abscesses from CLA (caseous lymphadenitis).
Eye disease, including conjunctivitis and mucopurulent discharge.
Less commonly, abortion and/or mastitis.
Testing for Yersinia in goats can be arranged as part of one of my on-farm small ruminant disease investigations.