Caseous Lymphadenitis

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic infectious disease that affects goats and sheep worldwide.  The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, which causes swelling and infection of superficial lymph nodes, which can be spread from goat to goat and can ultimately form abscess on key body organs such as kidneys, the liver, and the lungs.

There is no cure for Caseous Lymphadenitis and while there is a vaccine available, it is only efficient in preventing CL in sheep, not goats. The disease can infect any breed of goat, and is spread easily between animals.  The abscesses that form as a result of infection with C. pseudotuberculosis fill with a thick, greenish pus that then drains from the abscess.  As these abscesses drain, other goats that come in contact with the pus are at high risk of being infected themselves.  This contact is most likely to come from open wounds that result from injuries stemming from playing or fighting among animals in the herd.  After infection occurs, it may take for several months up to a year before symptoms are exhibited.

Diagnosis of CL can be obtained in a number of different ways.  The initial diagnosis is made after noticing the presence of semi-soft, swollen nodes. More accurate diagnosis can be made by finding a history of CL in the herd's history, by bacterial culture, or by serological testing.  Once diagnosed, the treatment consists of separating and isolating infected animals from the rest of the herd, and flushing the abscesses until they no longer refill with pus, and begin to heal.  The bacteria that causes CL can be passed on to humans, so utmost precautions must be taken to avoid coming into contact with the thick pus that drains from the abscesses.  The bacteria can also survive for long periods of time in soil, bedding, or hay, so therefore the pus must be kept from falling onto the ground, and should be safely disposed of by flushing down a drain or by burning.

The main problem associated with Caseous Lymphadenitis in goats is that it can cause severe weight loss, stunted growth, and lowered milk production.  A meat animal that is slaughtered and found to have more than one CL lesion is unable to be used for meat, thus incurring financial loss on the producer.  Abscesses can eventually form on important organs of the body, causing other symptoms, or even death.

Learn more about Caseous Lymphadenitis by clicking on the links below to different articles

Caseous Lymphadenitis

Caseous Lymphadenitis

Caseous Lymphadenitis and Pinkeye

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