Seasonal patterns and distribution of neurological diseases in caprine populationin the tropical climate of tamilnadu, india: A study of 18 months

A retrospective epidemiological study was undertaken to assess the seasonal distribution of neurological diseases in goats presented to the small ruminant clinic of Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu,Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, during the years 2024 and 2025. A total of 550 cases were diagnosed with neurological disease and classified into infectious (n=197), non-infectious (n=283), and idiopathic (n=70) neurological disorders. Among the infectious conditions, tetanus (n=119) was most prevalent, followed by listeriosis (n=24) and enterotoxemia (n=23). Polioencephalomalacia accounted for the majority of non-infectious cases (n=218). Seasonally, the highest incidence of neurological disorders was recorded during winter (37.64%), followed by summer (25.45%), pre-monsoon (20.36%), and monsoon (16.55%). Idiopathic cases predominantly occurred in winter (64.29%). These findings highlighted a the influence of seasonal variation on the occurrence of both infectious and non-infectious neurological diseases in goats. The present study helps for guiding seasonal disease preparedness and preventive veterinary interventions in this region.