Keep an eye out for blackleg this summer - Farm and Dairy

Keep an eye out for blackleg this summer - Farm and Dairy

By Katherine Shearer As summer approaches, farmers must prepare for the potential return of Clostridial Myositis, commonly known as blackleg. This fatal disease primarily affects cattle, especially healthy calves 6 to 12 months and sheep. Blackleg is caused by the bacterium Clostridium chauvoei, which forms spores that thrive in anaerobic environments, such as the soil of grazing pastures. These spores can persist in healthy soils for up to a de…