Clostridium Diseases in Sheep

Pulpy Kidney Disease

Enterotoxaemia (Pulpy Kidney Disease)

• Caused by Clostridium perfringens type D.

• Occurs when animals consume large amounts of rich feed or lush grass, encouraging rapid bacterial growth in the gut.

• Produces toxins that damage blood vessels, especially in kidneys and brain.

Symptoms:

• Sudden death, often in the best-grown lambs.

• Neurological signs such as convulsions or staggering.

• Occasionally diarrhoea or abdominal pain before death.

Tetanus

• Caused by Clostridium tetani.

• Bacteria enter the body through wounds, including docking, castration, or shearing injuries.

• Toxins affect the nervous system.

Symptoms:

• Muscle stiffness and rigid stance.

• Protrusion of the third eyelid.

• Spasms triggered by sound or touch.

• Death from respiratory failure.

Blackleg

Clostridium Chauvoei. AFfects from damaged muscle tissue

Swolen and painful muscles. Fever and rapid decline. Death in 24-48 hrs

BRaxy

• Caused by Clostridium septicum.

• Usually occurs when sheep eat frosted or spoiled forage that damages the stomach lining.

Symptoms:

• Sudden death in apparently healthy animals.

• Post-mortem shows inflamed stomach and rapid decomposition.

Malignant Oedema

• Caused by Clostridium septicum and other clostridia.

• Infection follows wounds or lambing injuries.

Symptoms:

• Swollen, painful wounds with foul odour.

• High fever and depression.

• Death within two days.

Botulism

• Caused by Clostridium botulinum.

• Toxins ingested from contaminated feed, silage, or carcasses.

• Very rare in the UK but possible in some feeding systems.

Symptoms:

• Weakness and paralysis.

• Drooling and difficulty swallowing.

• Progressive paralysis leading to death.

What increases the risk of clostridial diseases

Sheep are at higher risk of clostridial disease when:

• Grazing on lush pastures or being fed high-concentrate diets.

• Undergoing management procedures such as docking or castration without proper hygiene.

• Grazing on wet, muddy, or contaminated land.

• Exposed to wounds, bruises, or poor housing conditions.

• Vaccination programmes are incomplete or absent.

Clostridial diseases treatment

Treatment

Treatment is rarely effective once symptoms appear. In early or mild cases:

• High doses of antibiotics such as penicillin may be attempted.

• Antitoxins can be given if available.

• Supportive care (fluids, wound cleaning, pain relief) may help.

• Prognosis is usually poor.

How to reduce the insidince of clostridial diseases

• Vaccination programme:

  • Primary course: two injections 4–6 weeks apart.

  • Annual booster before lambing.

  • Lambs: vaccinate at weaning or from 6–12 weeks old, depending on colostral cover.

Good Husbandry

• Avoid sudden dietary changes; introduce concentrates gradually.

• Maintain hygiene during lambing, castration, and docking.

• Keep housing dry and well-ventilated.

• Remove contaminated feed and ensure silage is well-fermented.

Nutrition

• Provide balanced diets with sufficient minerals (especially selenium and zinc).

• Avoid spoiled or frosted forage.