Deworming and CAE testing questions....

[TheLands]

Ok so I know this is important.

I have had my goats for a while of course. I have only had them "on my own" for not even a year. We have had a heck of a year.

I really want to get them on a regular schedule of things...

How often should I deworm is the first one? Is it only when worms are present in feces. My DH does fecal testing on the goats. He has taught himself and gotten quite well at in the last few months.

What do you suggest I use? How much? I have dewormed one of my girls and did by injection which I have been corrected on recently. I have some Ivermectin. Do I need anything else, in your opinion?

Second question is CAE testing...

To my knowledge this has never been done for my herd.

(A bit of background before you guys roast me good... My herd belonged to a dear friend of mine that got ill and could not care for them. They were moved to our property before her illness got to bad. She progressed quickly but she was a bit stubborn and didn't "give in". We talked about goat stuff but I had no idea what to do and technically they were not mine. She passed away last December so I am trying to catch up on all the things I should be doing....)

I just finished reading the BioTracking website after seeing it in another thread. Does anyone use them for their testing? Is the cost actually 4.00 per test? And where do I get supplies.....

This is all a bit confusing but I am trying.

The only normal thing I know for sure is the CD&T shot which they are all due and I will be doing this weekend. Is there anything else?

I saw reference to another testing in yet another thread but can't remember the name of it now. Doh. I did see the list of "free" states for it and unfortunately Texas is not on it. Do I need to do that also?

Thanks for any help. I know this is a bit scattered. So confused....

~Lynda

[Oat Bucket Farm]

Worm when fecals show you need to worm and fecal regularly. Cydectin is a good wormer for goats but keep in mind what you are worming for as shown by your fecals.

Biotracking is great and they have the supplies you need or you can get them from your vet. Call Biotracking they are very helpful and will explain what you need to do. Yes the test is really 4.00 dollars per test. CL testing is another that you can do although the results aren't always accurate.

[TheLands]

Is CL testing necessary also?

[Oat Bucket Farm]

Some people feel more comforatble having a CL test, hoever the test is not the most reliable test.

[Alice In TX/MO]

I do not CL test. I *do* test for CAE, and it's easy when you are sending in blood for pregnancy testing anyway.

Biotracking will sell you a kit for the blood drawing. They also have the instructions and forms on their website for sending in the blood.

Deworming - I recommend you read Goatkeeping from birth through kidding. It's a great overview of what to do when.
http://dairygoatinfo.com/index.php?topic=2077.0

This website has the deworming meds and dosages:
http://dairygoatinfo.com/index.php?board=12.0

[Wonderland]

I love Biotracking. The customer service there is great, and they didn't get annoyed when I called to check up on the first CAE tests I sent. They will send you a kit with everything you need to draw the blood.

Were the other tests you were thinking of Brucella and Johne's? If so, WADDL will test for those I believe. I always forget their website and am sending this from my phone, but if you google WADDL lab or testing it should come up.

I do not test for CL, because the blood tests are not reliable enough for me to jusify it, but some d.WADDL would test for that, too, to my knowledge. Personally, the only time I would test for that would be if an abcess appeared, and I would have the vet drain it and send off the contents.

I use Cydectin and Ivomectin orally. I know people who use Valbazen. Safeguard is not effective anymore.

Fiascofarm.com is a great place to start.

[Laverne]

Since you're in Texas I'd keep a look out for Liverfluke eggs. They look similar to another type of worm egg so need a trained eye for them.