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 Synonyms: Black – leg, Farrya
It is an acute infectious and highly fatal, bacterial disease of cattle. Buffaloes, sheep and goats are also affected. Young cattle between 6-24 months of age, in good body condition are mostly affected. It is soil-borne infection which generally occurs during rainy season. In India, the disease is sporadic (1-2 animal) in nature.
Etiology: It is caused by Clostridium chauvoei
Transmission:
The disease spreads through
a) Ingestion of contaminated feed and
b) Contamination of wounds.
Symptoms:
1. Fever (106-10S°F)
2. Loss of appetite
3. Depression, dullness
4. Suspended rumination
5. Rapid pulse and heart rates
6. Difficult breathing (dyspnoea)
7. Lameness in affected leg.
8 Crepitation swelling over hip, back & shoulder.
9. Swelling is hot & painful in early stages whereas cold and painless inter.
10. Recumbency (prostration) followed by death within 12-48 hrs.
Diagnosis:
1. History of age, body condition & season.
2. Symptoms – high fever, Crepitation swelling and lameness.
3. P.M. findings – dark colored muscles with gaseous infiltration.
4. Examination of smears made from affected (issues or fluid from 4he swelling.
5. Isolation of the organism.
Treatment:
1. Penicillin @ 10,000 units /Kg body weight 1M & locally daily for 5-6 days.
2. Oxytetracycline in high doses i.e. 5-10 mg/Kg body weight 1M or IV
3. Indcse the swelling and drain off
4. B.Q. antiserum in large does, if available.
5 Injection. Avil / Cadistin @ 5-10 ml IM
Prophylaxis:
a) General measures:
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Isolation of infected and in contact animals.
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Disposal of carcass either by deep burial or burning.
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Proper disinfection of surgical instruments prior to operation.
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Don’t allow grazing in affected area.
b) Vaccination:
Alum precipitated B.Q. Vaccine 5 ml subcut each year before rainy season.
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