Pest Control Services for Feral Goats in Australia
M&P Vertebrate Pest Control provides monitoring and controlled methods of removing Feral Goats.
Feral goats are a destructive agricultural pest that cause significant environmental and financial damage. They are found in all mainland states of Australia with the largest numbers found in NSW, southern Queensland, central-eastern SA and WA.
Feral goats have been estimated to cause losses to livestock farming of $25 million per year in Australia, not including their impact on the environment or pasture degradation.
What Are Feral Goats?
Goats were introduced into Australia and New Zealand very early in European settlement and the feral descendants have since spread across 35% of Australia.
The Australian feral goat population consists of a mix of Angora, Cashmere, Anglo-Nubian, British Alpine, Saanen and Toggenburg breeds. Both male and female goats have distinctive curved or corkscrew shaped horns, although some may be hornless.
Feral goats are most active during the day and rest at night in regular camp sites. Herd dynamics varies depending on seasonal changes, birth rates and the movements of the male bachelor herds. Feral goats tend to use high or difficult-to-access areas as their night-time camp sites to minimise the risk of predation.
As a selective browser, feral goats can drastically impact specific plant communities over a relatively short period. Feral goats cause considerable environmental impacts through soil damage, over grazing and browsing.
Feral goats are a major agricultural pest throughout Australia and the economic losses caused by feral goats can be split into four key areas of impact including primary production, exotic diseases, land degradation and management of goats.
Quick Facts About Feral Goats In Australia
- Feral goats can breed all year round, but breeding tends to peak during autumn with less in spring
- Susceptible to livestock diseases such as rabies, blue tongue and foot-and-mouth disease
- Susceptible to endemic diseases such as tetanus, Q fever, hydatids, parasitic worm
- Unchecked wild herds can play a major role in the spread of exotic disease
- Feral Goats compete with many native animals species for food, water and shelter
- Feral Goats also compete with sheep and domestic goats for feed
- Feral Goats reduce biodiversity by damaging soils and vegetation in the pastoral zone
Experienced Team of Vertebrate Pest Control Specialists
Looking to get rid of Feral Goats from your property? Speak with our pest control experts about on-site surveillance, Feral Goats traps, eradication program and relocation services. Our experienced team can help with the removal of Feral Dogs nationwide and service both rural and suburban areas across Australia. Request a free quote online today and our team will be in contact with you as soon as possible to discuss a solution.
