Surgical intervention in a caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) positive scrapie resistant Hampshire ram

Abstract

Caseous lymphadenitis is an infectious disease of sheep and goats caused by the gram positive bacteria, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. It is spread via physical contact, ingestion of contaminated feed, water, etc, shearing wounds, and even dips. Infected animals exhibit a cutaneous form indicated by enlarged lymph nodes that abscess and rupture or a visceral form which affects internal organs and lymph nodes with little or no obvious clinical signs. Economic losses include devaluation of the wool and hides as well as condemnation of carcasses at slaughter. Control and eradication programs have been set up utilizing test (ELISA) and cull procedures. Valuable animals can receive palliative treatment with rifampin and penicillin combinations and surgical removal or drainage of affected nodes.