Blackleg in cattle

Blackleg is a fatal disease of young cattle. It produces an acute local infection, and the resulting blood poisoning leads to rapid death.

The name ‘blackleg’ derives from the fact that the site of infection is often a leg muscle, and that the affected muscle is dark in colour. This Primefact discusses:

• occurence of blackleg
• susceptible animals
• cause
• method of infection
• signs of the disease
• vaccination techniques
• vaccination breakdowns
• treatment
• carcass disposal.