Dickinson, N.D. -- Joyce and James Lipsett aren't kidding when they say goat moving can be tough.
The Dickinson couple had to deal with winter weather and transportation and veterinary regulations in moving five truckloads of goats from California to North Dakota.
Preventing the spread of disease between herds and states is a major concern, Joyce Lipsett said.
While in California, her herd was inspected, tattooed and tagged free of disease.
The documents were then reviewed by a North Dakota veterinarian before the animals could enter the state, she said.
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The herd also is registered with the International Boer Goat Association, which allows the goats to be shown at international shows.
Lipsett said the precautions protect producers and the public from diseased animals.
"I don't buy and sell animals unless I know they are disease-free," Lipsett said. "I ask for test reports from a diagnostic lab."
The United States meat goat industry is concerned about at least two diseases: caprine lymphabenitis (CLA) and caprine arthritic encephalitis (CAE). The diseases can spread to the kids through the doe's milk.
The goats were shipped to North Dakota in five truckloads. Several loads included both furniture and animals.
"We were literally chased out of California by a storm. We didn't want to get stuck in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with three goats, one dog and one cat in the cab," Lipsett said.
Goats adapt to a wide variety of temperatures, but North Dakota's winter was a challenge.
Arriving in December, "They thought they went to hell upside down," she said. Still, despite moving the goats.
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Still, the couple lost no stock.
To keep the kids warm, the Lipsetts built igloo-style shelters for them. The blue igloos has a small entrance and a 40-watt light bulb to keep the kids warm.
Linda Sailer writes for the Dickinson Press,
a Forum Communications newspaper
