Clostridial Diseases

Clostridial diseases are caused by various bacteria of the Clostridium genus. They are associated with stress and poor nutritional management, with high prevalence and mortality rates, which in most cases is sudden death.

Affected species

Sheep
Sheep
Goats
Goats
Cattle
Cattle
Swine
Swine
Equine
Equine

TRANSMISSION OF CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES

Clostridia are widespread in the environment and are normally found in soil and feces. They produce very resistant spores that can survive in the environment for a long time. These bacteria are also present in the digestive tract of animals and, in spore form, in the tissues of healthy animals. As a result, there are many factors that can facilitate the spread of clostridial diseases.

 

  • Feed changes
  • Wounds
  • Stress
  • Weakened immune system
  • Oral transmission of spores through contaminated soil, water, and food
  • Poor equipment hygiene

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES

There are three types of Clostridia that can produce differentt issue diseases: C. sordellii associated with gas gangrene, C. chauvoei that causes blackleg disease, and C. septicum associated with malignant edema. Overall, there is a wide range of clostridial symptoms.

 

ECONOMIC LOSSES

HOW TO CONTROL AND PREVENT CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES

Prevention: The best solution

Testing and diagnosis
Bacterial isolation and bacteriological characterization are essential elements for diagnosing each type of Clostridial disease.

Adequate sanitary and nutritional management
Avoiding sudden changes in feeding, especially with fiber, and improving hygiene practices in herds.

Vaccination
Vaccination  is the most effective way to control Clostridial diseases, given the high prevalence of Clostridia in cattle and sheep. Vaccination programs should be carried out at least twice a year.

JAVIER MARCOS SAINERO

Director of the technical service at Vetia Animal Health

B.S.in Veterinary Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid and Director of the Technical Service at Vetia Animal Health, a company of Zendal Biotech group that markets vaccines and pharmacological products for animal health.

 

HOW TO CONTROL AND PREVENT CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES

Prevention: The best solution

Testing and diagnosis
Bacterial isolation and bacteriological characterization are essential elements for diagnosing each type of Clostridial disease.

Adequate sanitary and nutritional management
Avoiding sudden changes in feeding, especially with fiber, and improving hygiene practices in herds.

Vaccination
Vaccination  is the most effective way to control Clostridial diseases, given the high prevalence of Clostridia in cattle and sheep. Vaccination programs should be carried out at least twice a year.

CUBOLAC

Cubolac is a policlostridial inactivated vaccine for prevention of Clostridiosis in cattle, sheep, and goats.