Blackleg

Today we look at the importance of vaccinating our cattle against potentially fatal diseases. Blackleg is an infectious disease most commonly caused by the bacteria Clostridium chauvoei.

These bacteria survive in the environment and pasture as durable spores for many years. The bacteria are ingested by grazing cattle, enter the blood stream and lodge in the muscle. The bacteria cause inflammation of the muscle, the muscle then becomes toxic and usually at this point leads to rapid death.

- How to spot Blackleg -

Blackleg usually effects cattle between 6 months and 2 years of age and usually the better conditioned animals are the first to get sick. Cattle will usually stop grazing first, then become lame and go down.

These symptoms can sometimes happen so quickly that cattle may be found dead without warning. Upon or near death gas is detectable under the skin and if rubbed in the area of infection a crackling sensation can be heard.

- What to do -

If you suspect your cattle may have contracted Blackleg, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. If an animal is already dead, the carcass should not be opened or moved until veterinary consultation.

Carcasses of animals suffering from blackleg should always be burned or buried deep to limit further contamination.

- Prevention of Disease -

Blackleg is all over the world and is most commonly seen in times of high humidity or following cold periods. Unvaccinated cattle should not be near sites of soil moving or landscaping.

Remember Blackleg is an entirely preventable disease and the most effective preventative measure is vaccination with 5 in 1 or 7 in 1.