Coccidiosis: deadly scourge of lambs and kids Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease affecting a variety of animals, especially mammals and birds. The causative organism is a microscopic, spore-forming, single-cell protozoa called coccidia. Coccidia are from the same class of organisms (sporozoa) that cause malaria. Coccidia are sub-classified into many genera. In sheep and goats, coccidiosis is caused by the genus Eimeria
Within this genus, there are more thanten species of coccidia that are known to infect sheep or goats. Not all of the species are pathogenic or have the same level of pathogenicity. In fact, only a few are usually responsible for disease outbreaks. Coccidia are host-specific, meaning the species of coccidia that affect poultry do not affect sheep and goats [5]. Even sheep and goats are affected by different species of coccidia. Attempts to cross-contaminate sheep and goats have failed.
Description
Sulfadimidine acts usually bactericidal against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, like Corynebacterium, E.coli, Eimeria, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Pasteurella, Salmonella and Streptococcus spp. Sulfadimidine affect bacterial purine synthesis, as a result of which a blockade is accomplished.
Indications
Gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital infections, mastitis and panaritium caused by sulfadimidine sensitive micro-organisms, like Corynebacterium, E. coli, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Pasteurella, Salmonella and Streptococcus spp. in calves, cattle, goats, sheep and swine.
Uses/benefits of Sulfa Drugs For Goats
For sheep and goats exhibiting clinical signs of coccidiosis, there are several treatment options (in the U.S.), including sulfa drugs, tetracyclines, and amprolium Conventional anthelmintics (dewormers) have no effect on coccidiosis. Amprolium (Corid®) can be used as both a treatment and preventative for coccidiosis. It is sold in liquid or powder form. When coccidia ingest Corid®, they experience a thiamine deficiency and die from malnourishment Though rare, polioencephalomalacia (thiamine deficiency) has been reported as a side effect of treatment with amprolium Many sulfanamide medications can be used to treat coccidiosis. Sulfa medications are sold in liquid or powder form. Sulfa medication can be bitter tasting, so products may include flavoring, or jello can be added to reduce the bitter taste and promote adequate consumption by the animals.
Whenever medications are administered in the water, it is important that the medicated water be the only source of water. One of the limitations of water treatments is that there is no guarantee that every animal will receive the necessary amount of the medication. This is particularly true of an animal that may already be feeling poorly due to coccidia infection. For this reason, it is usually better to individually treat each animal with the medication. Severely parasitized animals should be penned separately, drenched individually with the medication, and receive necessary supportive treatment.
Dosage
For subcutaneous and intramuscular administration.
General: 3 – 6 ml per 10 kg body weight the first day, followed by 3 ml per 10 kg body weight on the following 2 – 5 days.
Withdrawal times
– For meat : 10 days.
– For milk : 4 days.
Prices of Sulfa Drugs For Goats
$12.99 – $46.99