Goats are fairly adaptable creatures in the wild but, if kept as pets, or commercially farmed, they rely on their owners not only for food, but also for protection from diseases, injury and predators. As the title of the book suggests, goat health and welfare are closely linked and it is a truism that 'a fit and healthy goat is a happy and productive goat'. This is comprehensive and non-technical book covering the following: general goat health, welfare, behaviour and related management issues; principal diseases and abnormalities affecting goats - considers their causes, main diagnostic signs, treatment and prevention; recognizing abnormal behaviour as an early indicator of ill-health; the importance of goat keepers establishing good working relationships with their vets; poisoning and diseases that can be transmitted between goats and man.

Author Biography

David Harwood gained a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, in 1974. His initial interest in goats developed in west Wales in the 1980s and has continued ever since. He is an Honorary Vet for the British Goat Society. David lectures on goat health and welfare at all six veterinary colleges in the UK.