Enterotoxemia of Small Ruminants

Authors

  • David C. Van Metre Animal Population Health Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80524

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20094292

Keywords:

Enterotoxemia, small ruminant, Clostridium perfringens, enteritis, colitis, multi-organ failure, sheep, goats, vaccination regimens

Abstract

Enterotoxemia is a common, frequently fatal disease of small ruminants caused by enteric superinfection with Clostridium perfringens. C. perfringens type C causes hemorrhagic enteritis of lambs. Type D causes colitis in goats and rapidly progressive, multi-organ failure in sheep, characterized by recumbency, convulsions, and opisthotonus. Prevention of enterotoxemia requires careful attention to feeding practices such that sudden ingestion of large quantities of concentrates or protein does not occur. Diligent vaccination is the cornerstone to enterotoxemia prevention; however, sheep and goats differ in their immune responses to conventional vaccines, and different vaccination regimens are necessary for these two species.

Cover image of the 42nd Conference Proceedings: Cattle grazing in a spring field along the horizon. In the foreground, one brown cow with a triangle marking and ear tags is posing. Yellow background.

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Published

2009-09-10

Issue

2009

Section

AABP & AASRP Sessions

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