Coccidiosis in Focus: How Tiny Parasites Cause Big Problems

Hoofnotes

Let’s talk poop. Specifically, that runny, stinky kind that shows up in your kids right around weaning time and makes you panic. Yep, we’re diving very deep this week into coccidiosis, one of the most common, and frustrating, issues in young goats.

Coccidiosis is caused by tiny parasites called Eimeria, which basically set up camp in the lining of the gut and start causing damage. It’s not just about scours, these little guys can wreck a kid’s digestive system, cause stunted growth, and in serious cases, even lead to death. Most adult goats carry coccidia without showing symptoms, but kids, especially stressed or weaning ones, are way more vulnerable.

This episode breaks down how coccidia mess with a goat’s gut bacteria and immune system, opening the door for other infections to pile on. We also talk about what makes outbreaks worse (dirty pens and overcrowding are biggies), and how to get ahead of it with good management.

We’ll cover things like:

• Why probiotics and good nutrition matter when you're dealing with coccidia

• When and how to use medications like Amprolium or Sulfa drugs

• Why prevention starts with clean barns and smart weaning practices

• And why you should always loop your vet in before reaching for meds, especially since drug resistance and off-label use are a real concern in goats

Coccidiosis might be common, but with the right tools and timing, you can keep your herd healthier and avoid a whole lot of messy drama.

Companion Blog: https://goathousefarm.com/hoof-notes-goat-science

Articles for this episode:

• Ali, Endris A., et al. "Global prevalence of Eimeria species in goats: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 11, 23 Jan. 2025.

• Andrews, Anthony, and Anthony H. Andrews. "Coccidiosis of Goats." MSD Veterinary Manual, Merck & Co., Inc., 24 Sept. 2024.

• Barba, Emilio, et al. "Immunoprotection against mixed Eimeria spp. infections in goat kids induced by X-irradiated oocysts." Parasitology Research, vol. 121, no. 5, 3 Mar. 2022,

• Edwards, Erin. "Pathologic diagnosis of coccidiosis in goats." Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 12 Aug. 2024.• Guedes, Aránzazu C., et al. "Metaphylactic strategies using toltrazuril against coccidiosis in goat kids." Veterinary Parasitology, vol. 327, Apr. 2024

• Kommuru, D. S., et al. "Use of pelleted sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) for natural control of coccidia and gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned goats." Veterinary Parasitology, vol. 204, no. 3-4, 29 Aug. 2014

• Lu, Chenyang, et al. "Coccidia-Microbiota Interactions and Their Effects on the Host." Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, vol. 11, 1 Oct. 2021, p. 751481,

• Metzger, Mike. "Coccidiosis can kill young goats and sheep." MSU Extension, 28 Feb. 2014, https://extension.msu.edu.

• Mohammed, R. A., et al. "The effect of coccidian infection on the gut microflora of Nubian goat kids." Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift, vol. 107, no. 10, Oct. 2000, pp. 414-16.

• Pradhan, Shashi, et al. "Morphometric identification of Eimeria species in goats at Jabalpur." The Pharma Innovation Journal, vol. SP-11, no. 9, 2022, pp. 1751-52.

• Premaalatha, B., et al. "EFFICACY OF NEEM LEAF POWDER FOR TREATMENT OF COCCIDIOSIS IN YOUNG GOATS." Malaysian Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 1-8.

• Schafer, K. A., et al. "Hepatic coccidiosis associated with hepatic necrosis in a goat." Veterinary Pathology, vol. 32, no. 6, Nov. 1995, pp. 723-27, doi:10.1177/030098589503200618.

• Sontakke, Tejswini, et al. "The role of genetics in determining resistance to coccidiosis in goats a review of current research and future directions." Molecular Biology Reports, vol. 50, no. 7, July 2023, pp. 6171-75, doi:10.1007/s11033-023-08520-3.
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