What are the main problems when drenching goats?
Goats and drenching have not always been the easiest duo to work with, which has ultimately led to many reports of drench resistance being traced back to our goats.
Why is this?
There are a few reasons, but the key one is underdosing. Although there are registered drenches for goats, they only contain a single active ingredient and are often used at sheep dose rates, with no adjustment for goats. Goats have a super-efficient liver that is designed for de-toxifying a wide variety shrubs and trees- their preferred diet. As a result, they metabolize and excrete drenches faster than sheep.
The principles of worm control for small ruminants dictate that we should always seek to use combination products- see WormBoss for details.
This situation leads goat owners to seek out combination drenches (that are NOT registered for goats) as an alternative.
The regulatory complication is that using drenches outside of the label recommendations called an ‘off-label’ use. In other words, it is illegal!
If you do want to change the dose on the label, or use drenches that are not registered for goats, then you need to have a recommendation from a veterinarian. The vet then works out a dose, calculates a withholding period (for meat and milk) as well as tells you any precautions such as the potential for toxic reactions.
Using the sheep dose rate has meant that the optimal amount of drench is not being used, so the drench cannot work as effectively and give the worms present in the animal the full hit it usually delivers. Many worms end up surviving, causing the resistant worm population to continue to grow. We recognize that a lot more research is needed for drenching goats, especially as the industry continues to grow.
The withholding period is critical because the National Residues Survey tests goat meat for residues and publishes an annual report for the benefit of our trading partners.
In the meantime, if you need to drench goats and you decide to use a drench ‘off-label’, YOU MUST CONSULT A VET as it is illegal in all states to not do so. This is to ensure that we are giving the correct dose, and withholding periods can also be identified and adhered to.
For an update on drenching goats, see the 2024 Meat & Livestock Australia report.
Testing for goat parasites
Dawbuts laboratory has been testing for goat parasites for 15 years and has experience in control programs and recommendations. The graph below shows the average worm egg count (WEC) of mobs of goats across Australia from 2010 to 2023. The major trend is that when conditions are dry, WECs are low. But, when it rains, especially over summer, goat WECs rise to very high levels.
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