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For goats in Maine, winter can be an itchy season.

Just like people, low humidity can cause dry skin or worsen existing skin diseases. Therefore, it is important to be aware of whether your goat may be trying to tell you whether the content is scratching or rubbing more than usual.

According to animal health experts, in addition to dry air, the most likely causes of goat skin irritation are skin pathogens, nutritional deficiencies, parasites and diet.

Dr. Anne Lichtenwalner, director of the University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, said: “Although goats may suffer from serious diseases such as autoimmune diseases like us, skin problems are usually caused by less serious diseases.” “As usual. The same, the key is prevention or early detection and diagnosis and timely treatment."

Treating these diseases quickly can not only help goats feel better, but also prevent certain fungal, parasitic, or bacterial pathogens from spreading between goats and humans.

Lichtenwalners said that the most common and well-known one is ringworm. Despite the name ringworm is a fungus, not a worm. It can itch and cause hair loss and skin scabs. It can be treated by trimming the hair around the infected area and using Betadine to wipe off any scales. Then use topical antifungal drugs regularly for up to six weeks. It is also important to disinfect all equipment that comes into contact with goats every day to prevent the spread of fungi.

Meat mites can also spread from goats to other animals and humans. Sores caused by bacterial infections caused by mites look like ringworm. Due to the different treatment methods between the two—removal of mites requires species-specific sprays or impregnations—Lichtenwalner recommends contacting a veterinarian to develop a treatment plan.

"There are many nutritional and management factors that can help prevent skin diseases in goats," Lichtenwalner said. "A balanced diet, especially minerals such as selenium and zinc, is essential for good skin health."

Goats should always have clean litter and shell, and no frayed or sharp surfaces, especially on feeders and drinkers. She said that good hygiene is important for grooming equipment, such as brushes, hoof picks, trimming and shearing tools.

If your goats have dry skin due to low humidity, bathing them with special livestock shampoo provided by the farm supply point will help. If you do bathe goats, be sure to rinse them thoroughly, or even consider rinsing with vinegar to ensure that no soap remains on the animals.

Lichtenwalner said goats with any type of skin irritation or damage should be separated from other animals.

"Please consult your veterinarian or farm mentor to find out what to do next," she said. "Consider taking digital photos of the lesions, which can help you determine whether they are getting better or worse, no matter what treatment is used."

Finally, be sure to wash your hands after handling the affected animal, isolate all equipment and clothing that come into contact with the animal, and thoroughly disinfect or disinfect after handling.

Julia Bailey is a reporter for Bangor Daily News and has a regular column every week. Julia has been a freelance travel writer/photographer since 2000. More artworks by Julia Bayly