🐐 Goat Polio & Listeriosis: What Every Goat Owner Should Know

By Brooks Family Homestead

If you’ve ever walked into the barn and found one of your goats circling, stumbling, or laying down and unresponsive—you know the panic that hits. Two of the most common and urgent neurological conditions in goats are Goat Polio (Polioencephalomalacia) and Listeriosis. They can look similar, come on fast, and be deadly if not treated quickly.

At Brooks Family Homestead, we believe in being prepared and knowing what to look for. Here’s a guide to help you understand the signs, treatments, and possible outcomes of both conditions.

🧠 What Is Goat Polio?

Goat Polio (Polioencephalomalacia or PEM) is a thiamine deficiency in the brain. It’s not contagious and has nothing to do with the human polio virus. This is a metabolic problem—usually triggered by a sudden change in diet, high-grain intake, or gut imbalance.

🚩 Common Signs:

• Star-gazing posture or looking up

• Circling or staggering

• Muscle tremors or twitching

• Blindness (even with normal-looking eyes)

• Head pressing

• Seizures or convulsions

• Lying down and unresponsive

🦠 What Is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. It’s most often linked to spoiled silage, moldy hay, or contaminated feed. Once ingested, it travels to the brainstem and causes inflammation.

🚩 Common Signs:

• Circling (usually in one direction)

• Head tilt

• Drooping eyelid, ear, or lip on one side

• Excessive drooling

• Difficulty eating or swallowing

• Depression or isolation from the herd

• Loss of coordination, seizures

⚖️ How to Tell Them Apart

Here’s a simplified comparison of key signs to help you identify which condition your goat may be dealing with:

• Cause

  • Goat Polio: Thiamine deficiency

  • Listeriosis: Bacterial infection (Listeria monocytogenes)

• Blindness

  • Goat Polio: Common

  • Listeriosis: Rare

• Circling

  • Goat Polio: Yes

  • Listeriosis: Yes, typically in one direction

• Facial Droop

  • Goat Polio: No

  • Listeriosis: Yes (often one-sided)

• Head Tilt

  • Goat Polio: Rare

  • Listeriosis: Common

• Contagious?

  • Goat Polio: No

  • Listeriosis: No (but foodborne, from contaminated feed or silage)

When in doubt—treat for both. The symptoms overlap so much that many goat owners (and vets) opt for a dual treatment approach immediately.

When in doubt—treat for both. They overlap so much in symptoms that many goat owners (and vets) do a dual treatment protocol immediately.

💉 Treatment for Goat Polio

🦢 Immediate Care:

• Injectable Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

  • Dosage: 10 mg/kg

  • Route: IM or SQ every 6 hours for 1–2 days

  • Use pure Thiamine, not general B-complex

• Supportive Care:

  • Keep goat quiet, protected, and hydrated

  • Hand-feed or offer mash if goat can eat

  • Monitor closely for seizures or collapse

💊 Treatment for Listeriosis

🦢 Immediate Care:

• Penicillin G Procaine

  • Dosage: 60,000 IU/lb

  • Route: IM every 6 hours for 5–7 days

  • Must be aggressive and consistent

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

  • Thiamine is also important here to combat secondary deficiency

• Optional:

  • Banamine (with vet guidance) for inflammation

  • Probiotics to support digestion after antibiotics

  • Fluids or electrolytes if goat isn’t drinking

🌱 Dosage Tips & Prevention

• Start small: A few drops in water and observe

• Storage: Keep tinctures and medications in a cool, dark place

• Shelf Life: Most properly stored tinctures and injectables last for years

⏳ What to Expect

✅ With Early Treatment:

• Goats often recover from Goat Polio in 24–48 hours

• Listeriosis can take longer, but improvement usually shows by day 3

❗ Without Treatment or Late Response:

• Irreversible brain damage

• Blindness

• Death

🧰 Homestead First-Aid Kit Must-Haves

At Brooks Family Homestead, here’s what we always keep on hand:

• Injectable Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

• Penicillin G Procaine

• Syringes + needles

• Electrolyte mix

• Probiotics

• Thermometer

• Vet’s number on speed dial

🐐 Final Thoughts

Both Goat Polio and Listeriosis are medical emergencies. The difference between life and death often comes down to how fast you act. Trust your gut—if your goat isn’t acting right, don’t wait.

Having the knowledge and tools ready can make all the difference. Save this post. Print it. Bookmark it. Share it with fellow goat keepers.

At Brooks Family Homestead, we believe in learning together and supporting the health of every animal in our care.

Polioencephalomalacia in Ruminants - Nervous System - Merck Veterinary Manual

Listeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary Manual