Mortality and Diseases of Goats in Wedza Communal Areas of Zimbabwe

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the extent and causes of mortality and diseases affecting goats in Wedza Communal Area. Mortality ranged from 16% in adult stock to 40% in pre-weaned kids. Kid mortality was higher during the rainy season than the dry season, but this pattern was not evident in adult animals. Mortality was from unknown causes (47.4%), infectious diseases (17.1%), predation (17.1 OlD), diarrhoea (5.2%), starvation (3.4%), and other causes (9.8%). Diseases identified included pneumonia, ort, pulpy kidney, heartwater and foot rot. Infection by helminths showed a distinct seasonal pattern. It was high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The main ectoparasites found were Rhipicephalus evertsi, Amblyomma hebraeum, Demodex caprae, Sarcoptes scabiei and Ctenocephalides felis. It is inferred that poor health management of goats in Wedza Communal Area negatively affects productivity because of high kid mortality. It is concluded that pre-weaned kids need more veterinary attention during the rainy season than the dry season.