Clostridia

Clostridia are bacteria that can only live in areas deprived of oxygen. They are found all over the world. They can form spores that are resistant enough to survive heat up to 100°C as well as disinfectants. Some species of Clostridium produce the most vicious biological poisons known (botulinus, tetanus). Others cause illness, (blackleg/clostridium chauvoi infection, clostridial diarrhea), wound infections (gas gangrene) and inflammation of the udder.

Blackleg:

Blackleg is a regional illness, transmitted through the ground: The cattle ingest the pathogen together with crumbs of earth in short grass during the height of summer. Soon the muscles of the neck and back or rump begin to swell. When examining the swelling by hand, a typical crackling or rustling sound can be heard. This is accompanied by fever up to 42°C. The disease usually leads to death within a day. A vaccine is available.

Clostridial diarrhea:

This is an illness in cattle caused by various Clostridium species that has a very short course. Animals can die overnight that had no signs of illness the evening before. Sometimes general listlessness without fever but with diarrhea accompanied by colic can be observed. The feces are then a gray-green color. The animals are restless and walk about without direction, swaying from side to side. The death rate from clostridial diarrhea is very high. In high-risk yards or housing, a vaccination with a vaccine developed for sheep can be administered also to cattle.

Tetanus:

Tetanus is a rapid poisoning following the localized infection of a wound with spores of Clostridium tetani. Compared to people or horses, cattle are not as sensitive to the tetanus poison. In some cattle antitoxins can even be found in the blood. Illness may occur nevertheless.

As ports of entry, the biggest culprits are infections of the umbilicus in newborns, castration incisions, cuts from hooves, vaginal incisions to assist birth, and injuries from fences.

The illness begins with muscle stiffness from head to tail. Chewing and swallowing are difficult. All muscles are tensed and hard. The animals are agitated. Excitement causes cramping. Body temperature rises to 42–43°C shortly before death.

For prevention, especially valuable animals like cattle can be vaccinated against tetanus. For protection after injury, especially in the case of deep and dirty wounds and after operations, antiserum is available.