Responsible ways to keep CLA at bay - rather safe than sorry

This chronic bacterial disease predominantly affects goats and sheep, but as Shane Brody writes, the risks can be minimised with responsible preventative and treatment measures by farmers.

- Shane Brody

Goats and sheep worldwide are affected by the chronic bacterial disease caseous lymphadenitis (CLA).

The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and is characterised by the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes, which can lead to significant economic losses to goat farmers.

Also commonly referred to as 'cheesy gland disease', some quite large lymph node swellings can occur, and when lanced can contain dark yellow, white, or even green pus that is often very dense.

CLA is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for extended periods.

When treating animals with this condition it is important to consider biosecurity, such as the effective sterilisation of equipment and the incineration/burning of swabs.

The bacteria can be transmitted through the following means in direct contact with infected animals:

• Contaminated equipment, such as needles or tattooing instruments; • Infected milk or colostrum; or • Environmental contamination through pus or discharge from abscesses.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of CLA in goats can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common signs include: