Blackleg and Other Clostridial Diseases
Clostridial bacteria cause several diseases that affect cattle and other farm animals. This group of bacteria is known to produce toxins with varying effects based on the way they enter the body. The bacteria are frequently found in the environment (primarily in the soil) and tend to multiply in warm weather following heavy rain. The bacteria are also found in the intestinal tracts of healthy farm animals, where they only cause disease under certain circumstances. The most common diseases caused by clostridial bacteria in beef cattle are blackleg, enterotoxemia, malignant edema, black disease and tetanus. These diseases are usually seen in young cattle (less than 2 years of age) and are widely distributed throughout Arkansas.
Bacteria of the Clostridium genus produce long-lived structures called endospores. Endospores are forms of bacteria that are extremely resistant to environmental conditions (heat, drought, UV radiation and chemical disinfectants). When endospores are introduced into an animal, they can develop into the infectious bacteria. Once the bacteria begin to grow, they cause disease by producing and releasing toxins into the animal’s body.
Clostridial diseases are typically infectious but not contagious. In other words, cattle that become infected will not directly transmit the disease to other cattle. Animals afflicted with clostridial diseases usually die very quickly, sometimes without any prior symptoms. Therefore, prevention of these diseases through immunization is more successful than trying to treat infected animals.
For more information on blackleg and other clostridial diseases click on our fact sheet.
