‘Anaplasma’, the silent killer of goats

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Anaplasma is a silent killer that enters the body of goats and kills them by deteriorating their health. More than 3000 goats have died due to this disease in the last 5 years in the state.

According to a study by the Veterinary University, the number of goats affected by Anaplasmosis in Kerala is steadily increasing although it occurs in cows. Fatigue, followed by fever, chills, foaming at the mouth, weakness of the lips and tongue, convulsions. These are all symptoms. Some goats also miscarried. These bacteria are present in the salivary glands of blood-feeding fleas, lice, and mites. When they feed on blood, the germs that reach the goat's body through their saliva enter the red blood cells and multiply. Symptoms begin to appear within five weeks after the germs enter the body. As it affects the brain, there can also be neurological problems. Gradually, the goats will be ill become bedridden, succumb to jaundice and respiratory failure, and die.

Symptoms

*Losing weight gradually

*Fatigue

*Loses interest to eat food

*Fever above 105 degrees Fahrenheit

*Trembling

*Difficulty in breathing

Need to be careful even if the disease is cured

Some goats may be carriers of the Anaplasma bacteria without showing symptoms. In adverse conditions such as delivery, adverse weather conditions, and long journeys, they may harbor active bacteria. Even if the disease goes away, there is a possibility of coming back. A blood test should be carried out at least once every two months and at the time of parturition in goats that have survived the disease.