Farmers Urged to Vaccinate Cattle in Response to Blackleg Outbreak
UK – Scottish farmers are being advised to vaccinate youngstock amid rising incidents of Blackleg in the north east of the country.
25 September 2013
1 minute read
The Thurso Disease Surveillance Centre confirmed cases last week from samples taken from cattle farms in the Caithness area.
Scotland’s Rural College reminds farmers that the disease is fatal but easily prevented through vaccination and that any unexpected deaths in cattle on pasture should be investigated.
Affected animals are often found dead with a swollen upper limb that appears before they die.
The SRUC has warned that cattle between six and 24 months of age are the most at risk.
Blackleg is caused by Clostridium chauvoei bacteria living in soil where their hardiness allows them to withstand frost.
The bacterial spores become activated when in the animal’s body. The condition is associated with the warmer months of summer.
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