Clostridial diseases in cattle

Clostridial diseases are caused by bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Clostridia are widespread in the environment and are normally found in soil and faeces. They form highly resistant spores that can survive in the environment for very long periods. They are also present in the gastrointestinal tract and as spores in tissues of healthy animals.

Not all species of clostridia cause disease, but those that do are usually fatal. This Primefact looks at:

• tetanus
• malignant oedema
• blackleg
• exterotoxaemia (pulpy kidney)
• black disease
• botulism
• preventing clostridial diseases apart from botulism
• preventing botulism.