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New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 89, Issue 5, 15 November 1954, Page 516

For treatment apply a few drops twice daily of 10 per cent, argyrol or J per cent, zinc sulphate solution. Penicillin eye ointment is also useful. Isolated cases of pink eye are more likely to respond to penicillin than the highly infectious type, which spreads through the herd quickly and affects many animals at one time. Sore Teats Chapping and cracking of teats occur usually in winter and spring. They may occur when the teats are not dried after milking and are exposed to cold conditions. Teat injuries may also be caused by thorns and barbed wire. For cracked teats apply the following ointment after milking: Salicylic acid 2 drams, benzoic acid 1 dram, lanolin 6 drams, and sufficient petroleum jelly to make a mixture up to 2oz. Goat Pox Goat pox is similar in cause, course, and symptoms to cow pox. The first sign is the appearance of reddish circular areas about Jin. . across on the teats or udder. These later become raised as watery blisters and progress to pus-filled pox lesions. After a few days these are replaced by scabs which finally fall off, leaving white sunken areas. Sometimes the end of the teat may be affected. Goat pox is transmissible to human beings and the typical stages are seen usually on

the hands. Once a goat has had the infection it remains immune for life against further attack. Treatment A compound of equal parts of tincture of iodine in glycerine or 3 per cent, salicylic acid in glycerine is a useful application. The ointment given for sore teats may also be used. Scabby Mouth A condition similar to scabby mouth or contagious ecthyma in sheep may sometimes occur in goats. The course of the disease on the lips is similar to that described for goat pox on the teats. Kids particularly are affected, but when recovered are immune from further attack. The affected areas may be treated with a lotion of equal parts of tincture of iodine and glycerine. Poisoning The ability of goats to reach up to quite considerable heights and their habit of nibbling at accessible trees, shrubs, and plants render them possible subjects for plant poisoning. However, it is usually found that few goats eat poisonous greenery in sufficient quantity to harm them unless they are tethered near it. Rhododendron and yew are exceptions which may be readily eaten and cause severe illness or death. Among other plants which may cause poisoning are laurel, daphne, iris, hemlock, and spurge. It

is doubtful if laburnum ever causes poisoning in goats, as they pointedly avoid eating it. In most cases of plant poisoning the symptoms include salivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dullness, and possible straining. If plant poisoning is suspected, no time should be lost in getting in touch with a veterinary surgeon. Goats, like other animals, may ingest chemical poisons that have, been left lying about. The poisons most likely to be encountered are arsenic and lead compounds, strychnine, and phosphorus. Lice, Ringworm Two types of lice may infect goats, a biting and a sucking type. Kids are most susceptible, heavy infestation in adult goats being restricted to those in weak and unthrifty condition. The skin is dry and scurfy and constant rubbing leads to a rough appearance. Complete control can be obtained easily by the use of benzene hexachloride or D.D.T. dusting powders. One treatment with these powders is usually sufficient. Goat lice cannot live on sheep. Ringworm is caused by a fungous growth on the skin or in the hair follicles. The hair falls out, leaving circular bare areas. Wash the affected areas thoroughly with warm water to which washing soda has been added at the rate of 1 tablespoon to a gallon, and when they are dry apply a 2 per cent, solution of photographic hypo (sodium hyposulphite) or tincture of iodine.