Blackleg and Other Clostridial Diseases in Cattle

What is blackleg?

Blackleg is produced by spore-forming bacteria and today we often use the term to describe several diseases caused by organisms in the Clostridium class. Blackleg is a highly fatal infection caused by Clostridium chauvoei, resulting in a gas gangrene in the muscle of young cattle. Blackleg seldom affects cattle older than 2 years of age, most likely due to immunity induced by vaccines or natural exposure. However, sporadic cases do occur in cattle older than 2 years. Blackleg can also be a problem in cattle less than 4 months old that do not receive adequate passive immunity through colostrum. Some of the other clostridial diseases are not as restricted to younger animals as is seen with blackleg.
Blackleg
Blackleg

What are other clostridial diseases?

Some diseases caused by other clostridial bacteria include tetanus, botulism, enterotoxemia, bacillary hemoglobinuria, and malignant edema. The type of disease depends on the particular type of Clostridium and the type and location of toxins produced.

How are clostridial bacteria transmitted?

Clostridial bacteria are found in the soil virtually everywhere. In the presence of oxygen, the bacteria form spores that allow them to resist environmental changes and survive in the soil in a dormant state for years. Animals are infected by eating contaminated feed or pasture with clostridial spores. Animals that die from clostridial diseases can seed the environment with clostridial spores; therefore, these animal carcasses should be burned or buried. Blackleg and clostridial disease outbreaks are often associated with land excavation or flooding that causes large amounts of spores to resurface.

Clinical Signs

Once ingested, the bacteria can sometimes pass through the intestinal wall, enter the bloodstream, and be deposited in muscles, organs, or other tissues. The bacteria proliferate rapidly, producing toxins that cause muscle death and eventually death of the animal.
  • Depressed
  • Becomes lame with swelling of a muscle or group of muscles.
  • Unable to stand.
  • The skin will sometimes be discolored and may “crackle” when it is touched.
  • Bloody froth from nose.
  • Muscle tissue will contain dark areas, hence the name blackleg.

 

The disease develops over a short period of time (12 to 48 hours), and are often found dead without any prior signs of trouble.

Blackleg

Can blackleg be treated?

Treatment is rarely successful since blackleg develops so rapidly. If blackleg is suspected, you may treat with appropriate doses of antibiotic, such as penicillin.
Blackleg

How can you prevent blackleg?

It is not possible to prevent clostridial bacteria from being present in the soil, but it is possible to vaccinate animals to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Clostridial vaccines are very effective if given to young, healthy animals in time for them to increase their immunity before being challenged by the disease.

  • Calves should receive 2 doses of black leg vaccine. First being 2 months of age. A revaccination 3 to 4 weeks later according to product label directions.
  • A booster vaccination every 12 months.

 

Remember:

  • Read and follow the instructions on the label of the vaccine.
  • Store the vaccine properly and administer it correctly.
  • Initial primary and booster vaccination according to label directions.
  • A single blackleg vaccination will not provide adequate protection.
  • When calves are 3 to 4 months old, they become susceptible to the disease.
  • Delaying vaccination until a calf is older can be inviting disaster.