There is an old veterinary saying that most animal diseases are bought and sold. It can be so tempting to buy every cute goat that you see, but there are some very good reasons to only buy your animals from reputable breeders who have herds that have tested negative for common diseases.

In this episode, I am talking to Patty Scharko, DVM, MPH, a Field/Extension Veterinarian at Clemson University in South Carolina about keeping your goats health with a good biosecurity plan. It all starts with buying healthy animals and then being careful to not bring home any germs that will cause diseases. 

We talk about annual herd testing for the most common diseases, as well as how to keep your goats safe when people visit your farm or you go to goat shows. 

To learn more about caprine arthritis encephalitis, check out the "Working to Eradicate CAE" podcast we did a few months ago.

To learn more about biosecurity:

Dr. Julie Smith’s biosecurity grant funding provides:

Biosecurity Training (videos)

Youth, 4-H and FFA Biosecurity Learning Modules

Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health:

Small Ruminant Diseases and Resources

For more information on infection control:

Disinfection (info about disinfectants, bacteria, and viruses)