THE MILCH GOAT IN CALIFORNIA 



99 



Agricultural Experiment Statioiv tuberculosis in milch goats is ex- 

 tremely rare. 



Malta Fever in Goats. 



Malta fever or Mediterranean fever is a matter of most importance to the 

 goat industry in this state. Goats, sheep, cattle, and horses are susceptible to 

 this disease, caused by a special organism, Micrococeus melitensis. Through the 

 goat it is transmitted to man. The disease has been endemic to the island of 

 Malta for a long time, but its occurrence has been noted in almost all tropical 

 and subtropical countries. In the United States the disease has been found in 

 New Mexico and Texas, as reported by the Bureau of Animal Industry. 



Fig. 10. Anglo-Nubian wethers make excellent pets for children. 



(Courtesy of Phillip Sanger, California.) 



As a rule, the disease has no active effect on goats. The most important 

 symptom which is observed among goats affected by Malta fever is the frequency 

 of abortions which result in the course of the disease. Some authors estimate 

 that expulsions of immature fetuses occur in 50 to 90 per cent of the pregnant 

 animals, and abortions in diseased animals reoccur during the succeeding and even 

 at the third gestation following the infection. 



The symptoms in other animals are generally imperceptible and the presence 

 of the disease can be determined only by the demonstration of the specific organ- 

 ism in the blood, secretions or excretions. 



The symptoms in human beings are more pronounced and give rise to a more 

 or less severe affection.3 



It is from the standpoint of public health that the disease should 

 be considered. Up to the present time the disease is not known to 

 exist in this state. It is therefore highly important that this disease 



3 U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry, Circular 215 : Malta Fever 

 with Specific Reference to its Diagnosis and Control in Goats. 



