A severe, rapidly fatal disease caused by soil-borne Clostridium chauvoei spores entering the bloodstream, usually through a wound or ingestion. It causes acute lameness, fever, and distinctive spongy, crackling swellings in the heavy muscles of the legs or shoulders. Insiders rely on strict vaccination schedules, as an outbreak can kill young stock within 12 to 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
Heard on the job
We lost two yearling heifers to blackleg this week, so I'm bringing the vet out to vaccinate the rest of the herd.
Insider tip
The name comes from the characteristic blackened, necrotic muscle tissue found during a necropsy.
Also heard as
- symptomatic anthrax