It is not unheard of for people to wonder if they can contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from having intercourse with animals like goats. While the idea may seem far-fetched, there are actually a few key considerations when it comes to understanding if this is possible.
First and foremost, it is important to define what qualifies as an STD. STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, implying that the pathogen or infection is spread through sexual contact. Many common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can only be transmitted to and from other humans. However, some STDs are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed between animals and people. So in theory, if a goat had a zoonotic STD, intercourse could enable transmission to humans.
Some of the most common zoonotic STDs that can be spread from animals to humans include:
Zoonotic STDs
| Pathogen | Associated STD |
| Brucella | Brucellosis |
| Leptospira | Leptospirosis |
| Mycoplasma | Genital mycoplasmosis |
As you can see, there are a handful of bacterial infections that can be transmitted from goats to humans through sexual contact. However, the chances of transmission depend on several factors.
Likelihood of Transmission
First, the goat would need to be infected with a zoonotic STD for any transmission to humans to be possible. The prevalence of these STDs in domestic goats is relatively low in most developed nations. Rates are higher in feral goat populations in some parts of the world.
Second, for transmission to occur, infected secretions from the goat would need to come in direct contact with mucous membranes of the human during intercourse. Mere skin to skin contact is unlikely to transmit infection.
Lastly, certain STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can only survive for brief periods outside of the body. So the sexual act would need to occur fairly quickly after the goat’s infection develops for viable pathogens to still be present.
In summary, while zoonotic STD transmission from goats is theoretically possible, the odds are extremely low given the specific conditions required. Unless a goat is known to be infected, intercourse is unlikely to pose substantial STD risk.
Symptoms
If a person did manage to contract an STD from a goat, symptoms and severity could vary depending on the pathogen.
Brucellosis
Brucellosis typically causes fever, sweats, headache, and muscle pain. Genital lesions are uncommon. Symptoms may wax and wane over time if left untreated.
Leptospirosis
Infections from Leptospira bacteria can cause fever, rash, muscle pain, and eye inflammation. Patients may also develop liver dysfunction or renal failure in some cases.
Mycoplasmosis
Mycoplasma is associated with urethritis, which causes burning urination and penile discharge in men. Women may develop cervicitis, with vaginal discharge, itching, and pelvic pain.
So in summary, zoonotic STDs from goats would likely cause systemic symptoms along with potential genital discomfort or discharge. However, symptoms are usually not specific to the infection source and could be mistaken for other common STDs.
Testing
If zoonotic STD transmission is suspected after intercourse with a goat, testing would need to identify the specific pathogen. This is because many symptoms are overlapping with common human STDs. Testing options may include:
Bacterial culture
Swabs from the urethra, cervix or any genital lesions can be sent for bacterial culture to try to grow out pathogenic bacteria. This allows for identification of the specific species.
Microscopic examination
Microscopy of urine sediment or genital discharge samples may reveal elevated white blood cell counts or visible bacteria. However, this does not identify the specific STD.
Blood tests
Blood tests look for antibodies against specific STDs like Brucella or Leptospira to prove past or current infection. However, the antibodies may not develop for 1-2 weeks after initial infection.
Molecular testing
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can detect small amounts of bacterial DNA in genital samples or urine to diagnose Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and other STDs. Results are rapid but the organisms must be present for detection.
So in summary, a combination of bacterial culture, antibody testing, and PCR is typically needed for optimal diagnosis of a zoonotic STD. Testing should be conducted soon after possible infection for highest accuracy.
Treatment
Treatment for zoonotic STDs involves prescription antibiotic regimens tailored to the specific pathogen.
Brucellosis:
Combination of Doxycycline, Rifampin, and Gentamicin for minimum 6 weeks
Leptospirosis:
Doxycycline or Penicillin regimen for 7-10 days
Mycoplasmosis:
Azithromycin or Doxycycline for 1 week
Treatment is prolonged to clear the body of all infection and prevent recurrent symptoms or complications like arthritis, hepatitis, or fertility problems. Household contacts should also be tested and treated as some pathogens may be transmitted person to person.
Vaccination of domestic goats and livestock could help reduce zoonotic STD prevalence. Improved animal quarantine and testing practices may also limit risks of transmission to humans from infected animals.
Prevention
The only guaranteed way to avoid zoonotic STD transmission from goats or other animals is to avoid direct sexual contact with them. However, those working closely with livestock should take precautions like:
– Wearing protective clothing that covers skin and mucous membranes
– Disinfecting any cuts, wounds or abrasions promptly
– Washing hands frequently after handling animals
– Avoiding exposure to birth fluids, urine, stool or other secretions
– Isolating and testing any animals displaying signs of possible STDs
Routine STD testing should be done every 3-6 months for those working with goats or other livestock. Safer sex practices and informing contacts if infection does occur remains important as well.
Conclusion
While extremely uncommon, it is possible for zoonotic STDs like Brucellosis, Leptospirosis, or Mycoplasmosis to be transmitted from goats to humans through direct sexual contact. However, this requires specific circumstances and risk factors to align. Prevention through safer sexual practices and routine STD screening remains the best protective strategy. Public health efforts to reduce STD prevalence in livestock may also limit rare zoonotic transmission events. While not a common issue, zoonotic STD transmission risk should not be entirely ignored either.