Keeping Coccidia at Bay with Dr. Casey Neal DVM
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In this episode of Ringside: An American Dairy Goat Podcast, hosts John Kane and Danielle Corolli welcome Dr. Casey Neal, Clinical Assistant Professor of Farm Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Tennessee, to discuss coccidia and coccidiosis in dairy goats—a critical concern during kidding season. Dr. Neal explains that coccidia is a protozoan parasite that targets the small intestine, causing diarrhea, weight loss, and potentially fatal dehydration, especially in young or stressed animals. She debunks common myths, emphasizing that not every case of diarrhea requires treatment and that overuse of coccidiostats can lead to drug resistance. Key prevention strategies include strict manure management, elevated feeders, appropriate stocking density, and isolating infected animals. Dr. Neal also cautions against using unapproved drugs like CAF Pro in goats due to lack of safety data and withdrawal times, stressing the importance of working with a veterinarian. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for producers to manage and prevent outbreaks proactively. The hosts share personal updates from their farms, including kidding ratios and goat behavior, before diving into the interview. They also recommend the audiobook *Red Rising* by Pierce Brown as a compelling read. The episode closes with a reminder to subscribe and engage with the podcast on social media and major podcast platforms. The overall tone is educational, reassuring, and grounded in practical farm experience.
Coccidia is a protozoan parasite that damages the small intestine, causing diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration—especially in young or stressed goats.
Not every goat with mild diarrhea needs treatment; allowing mild cases to run their course helps build natural immunity and prevents drug resistance.
Manure management is the single most important factor in preventing coccidiosis; isolate sick animals and clean housing with ammonia-based disinfectants or steam.
Avoid using unapproved drugs like CAF Pro in goats due to lack of safety data and withdrawal times for milk, and always consult your veterinarian.
Use individual dosing (e.g., sulfa drugs) for clinical cases rather than relying on feed-through coccidiostats, which are less precise and promote resistance.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to Ringside: Goat Talk & Kidding Season Updates
Hosts John and Danielle kick off the episode with lighthearted banter about their goat farms, sharing updates on kidding ratios, goat behavior, and personal anecdotes. They set a warm, conversational tone while teasing the upcoming expert interview.
Introducing Dr. Casey Neal: Expert on Coccidia & Goat Health
The hosts introduce Dr. Casey Neal, a clinical veterinarian at the University of Tennessee specializing in small ruminants. She shares her passion for dairy goats, her work with hobby farms and 4-H youth, and her expertise in neonatal gastrointestinal disease and herd health.
Understanding Coccidia: Biology, Transmission, and Clinical Signs
“Coccidia is a protozoa, not a worm. It’s a single-cell organism that targets the small intestine—where most nutrients are absorbed—and ruptures those cells, leading to diarrhea and malabsorption.”
Prevention & Management: The Role of Cleanliness and Stress
“If you can manage the feces, you can really make a good stand at managing this parasite. That’s my number one.”
Treatment Protocols and the Dangers of Overuse
“Just because one animal has diarrhea doesn’t mean you need to treat everyone. That’s not good practice—and it speeds up drug resistance.”
“You can feed them all you want. You can feed them the highest quality forage and grain and everything. They can't absorb it. That absorptive layer is gone.”
“Just because one animal has diarrhea doesn’t mean you need to treat everyone. That’s not good practice—and it speeds up drug resistance.”
“Coccidia is a protozoa, not a worm. It’s a single-cell organism that targets the small intestine—where most nutrients are absorbed—and ruptures those cells, leading to diarrhea and malabsorption.”
Hosts
Guest
Coccidia
other
Coccidiosis
other
Dr. Casey Neal
person
Danielle Corolli
person
John Kane
person
University of Tennessee
organization
Thiamine
other
Red Rising
book
CAF Pro
product
4-H
organization
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