Title: Controlling Sore Mouth in Meat Goats | NC State Extension Publications
Headings: Controlling Sore Mouth in Meat Goats
Controlling Sore Mouth in Meat Goats Animal Science Facts
Introduction
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Human Health Concerns
Summary
Authors
JM Luginbuhl
Kevin Anderson

Content: Scabs appearing at the vaccination site in 1 to 3 days indicate that the vaccine is “taking.” For goats that are shown regularly, vaccination prevents the occurrence of an outbreak during the show season. However, it is important to vaccinate animals at least six weeks before the show season, so that vaccine scabs will have disappeared before the first show. Following vaccination, at least two to three weeks are necessary for adequate immunity to take place. Animals are vaccinated in a hairless, protected area. Sites for vaccination include the inside of the ear, the underside of the tail, and others. It may not be a concern to vaccinate pregnant animals because the vaccine reportedly does not induce abortion. However, the stress of herding pregnant animals into a handling facility and vaccinating them could potentially induce abortion in some animals. Vaccinated does may give some colostral immunity to kids. However, colostral immunity is short lived, and vaccination should focus on vaccinating each new kid crop.