Why does a goat go bald

There are several diseases in which goats lose their hair. While some are treated with feed additives, for others, it is better to take safety measures before visiting the veterinarian and work with animals with gloves

There are many reasons for hair loss in goats. In any case, invite a veterinarian to make a diagnosis and discuss treatment, as there is a risk of zoonotic diseases, that is, transmitted from animals to humans.

Staphylococcal dermatitis of goats

When hair loss follows the formation of pimple-like pustules containing pus, the animal is likely suffering from a skin infection of staph dermatitis. When the pustules are opened, exudate remains, which turns into a crust, which is why hair falls out most often on the udder, under the tail and around the anal area. In severe cases, the goat becomes bald in the abdomen, back and neck.

The veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, as well as medicated shampoos to wash the affected areas.

Ticks

Tiny arachnids that require microscopic examination of skin scrapings to identify the species cause scabies in goats: scabs, itching, hair loss, and anemia. There are subcutaneous mites and those that live on the surface of the body.

The two most important subcutaneous mites are Sarcoptes scabiei var caprae and Demodex caprae.

The sarcoptic mite penetrates under the skin, tunneling and forming lesions that exude fluid, causing scabs, dry and flaky skin, and hair loss.

The demodectic mite causes a blockage in the hair follicles that starts as scabs under the skin and eventually breaks through to the surface. The nodules appear on the muzzle, muzzle, and neck of the animal, but may extend to the shoulders, flanks, udder, and lower body, with extensive baldness. Demodectic mite often affects kids, pregnant and lactating goats.

The surface-feeding mites, Psoroptes cuniculi and Chorioptes bovis, live exclusively on the surface of the skin. The psoriatic ear mite lives in the ear, causing bad breath, restlessness, spasmodic contractions of the neck muscles and hair loss, respectively, on the ears.

Sarcoptic scabies includes baldness on the face and near the ears, the skin is very flaky.

Because scabies is very easily transmitted between goats, treat every animal in the herd, even those without symptoms. The veterinarian will prescribe ivermectin injections. 

Ringworm in goats

The fungal infection appears as naked, round patches on the neck, ears, and muzzle, which the goats scratch.

Since ringworm is transmitted to other livestock as well as humans, dogs, and cats, always wear gloves when treating this disease and follow your veterinarian's recommendations.

Lice on goats

The well-known lice cause chronic dermatitis with scratching and hair loss. Lice are easy to see, but a specialist can determine the variety, as there are biting and sucking lice.

In a herd of goats, the biting lice usually include Bovicola crassipes and Bovicola limbata, the sucking lice Linognathus stenosis (spread over the whole body) and Linognathus africanus (focused on the HEAD).

In any case, goats itch almost continuously and go bald.

Goat lice are species-specific, so you won't get them from your pets. Your veterinarian may recommend an insecticidal spray, reapply two weeks later, and prescribe antibiotics for co-infections.

Goats are more vulnerable to parasitic infestation when also faced with malnutrition, reduced immune systems and overcrowding, which increases susceptibility. A high energy diet and proper interval are effective preventive measures. 

Dietary reasons

When the type of feeding is predominantly grazing, a deficiency of minerals such as zinc and iodine leads to alopecia.

Mineral deficiencies show up as rough, flaky skin, sloppiness, baldness at the tips of the tail, and hair loss, opening the door to infection by bacteria and parasites.

An analysis of specific minerals in local plants and goat drinking water is required before purchasing supplemented feeds.

The deficiency that leads to hair loss is the lack of copper, zinc, selenium, iodine and vitamin A.

Zinc deficiency is usually manifested by hair loss in goats in the nose area. Lack of iodine leads to severe baldness, especially in young goats. With a lack of vitamin A, the skin becomes thick, dry and scaly, the goat becomes bald on the head, neck, sides, perineum and lower limbs.