Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) in Goats and Sheep, How to Identify and Prevent
Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a contagious bacterial disease that affects goats and sheep across Australia. It is most commonly recognised by abscesses around lymph nodes, but its impact goes far beyond what you can see. CL reduces productivity, lowers weight gain and wool yield, shortens working life, and is very difficult to eliminate once established in a herd or flock.
Early identification and strong prevention practices are the best tools producers have to manage CL and protect long term animal health.
What Causes CL?
CL is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The organism enters the body through small cuts or abrasions in the skin. These commonly occur during shearing, crutching, marking, fighting, or from sharp pasture debris.
Once inside, the bacteria travel to nearby lymph nodes where they form thick walled abscesses. The bacteria can survive in the environment for months, making hygiene and biosecurity critical.
How to Identify CL in Goats and Sheep
External signs to look for
- Firm swellings or abscesses near lymph nodes, commonly under the jaw, behind the ear, in front of the shoulder, or near the flank
- Abscesses that rupture and release thick, creamy or cheesy pus
- Scar tissue or lumps from healed abscesses
- Reduced body condition despite normal feed intake
Internal CL (harder to detect)
Not all animals show visible abscesses. Internal CL affects organs such as the lungs and liver and may cause:
- Chronic weight loss
- Reduced milk production
- Poor growth rates
- Exercise intolerance or coughing in advanced cases
Internal CL often goes unnoticed until animals fail to thrive or are identified at slaughter.
Why CL Spreads So Easily
CL spreads when pus from an abscess contaminates yards, shearing sheds, fences, equipment, or soil. Other animals become infected when the bacteria enter through skin wounds. Shearing sheds are a high risk area, especially when hygiene between animals is poor.
Preventing CL in Goats and Sheep
1. Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for reducing the spread and severity of CL. While vaccination does not cure infected animals, it significantly reduces abscess formation and bacterial shedding.
- Follow label directions carefully
- Use vaccination as part of a whole herd or flock strategy
- Avoid vaccinating animals with active abscesses unless advised by a vet
2. Biosecurity and Quarantine
- Quarantine all new or returning animals for at least 4 weeks
- Inspect new stock closely for lumps or scars
- Avoid purchasing animals from herds or flocks with known CL issues
3. Shearing and Husbandry Hygiene
- Disinfect shearing equipment between animals when possible
- Shear young or known clean animals first
- Use clean yards and minimise sharp edges that cause skin injuries
4. Managing Abscesses Safely
If an abscess is identified:
- Isolate the animal immediately
- Do not lance abscesses in yards or shared areas
- Drain abscesses in a controlled area if advised by a veterinarian
- Dispose of pus and contaminated materials safely
- Disinfect the area and equipment thoroughly
5. Culling Chronic Cases
Animals with recurring abscesses or signs of internal CL are ongoing sources of infection. Strategic culling is often necessary to reduce long term disease pressure.
Can CL Be Eliminated?
CL is difficult to completely eradicate once established, but it can be effectively controlled. A combination of vaccination, strict hygiene, biosecurity, and careful stock selection can dramatically reduce its impact over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CL contagious to humans?
CL rarely infects humans, but it can occur through open wounds. Always wear gloves and practise good hygiene when handling abscesses.
Should animals with CL be treated with antibiotics?
Antibiotics are generally ineffective because the bacteria are sealed inside thick abscess walls. Management focuses on prevention, vaccination, and reducing spread.
Can sheep and goats spread CL to each other?
Yes. Goats and sheep can transmit CL to one another, particularly when they share yards, sheds, or handling equipment.
Is CL visible at slaughter?
Many cases of internal CL are only detected at slaughter, where abscesses in organs may lead to carcass trimming or condemnation.
Key Takeaway
CL is a serious and persistent disease, but with early identification and disciplined prevention practices, its impact can be significantly reduced. Vaccination, hygiene, and biosecurity are the foundation of protecting your goats and sheep from long term losses.
Preventing CL in Goats and Sheep
1. Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for reducing the spread and severity of CL. While vaccination does not cure infected animals, it significantly reduces abscess formation and bacterial shedding.
- Follow label directions carefully
- Use vaccination as part of a whole herd or flock strategy
- Avoid vaccinating animals with active abscesses unless advised by a vet
-
Glanvac 6 Vaccine for Sheep & Goats
Price range: $101.00 through $137.70 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
2. Biosecurity and Quarantine
- Quarantine all new or returning animals for at least 4 weeks
- Inspect new stock closely for lumps or scars
- Avoid purchasing animals from herds or flocks with known CL issues
3. Shearing and Husbandry Hygiene
- Disinfect shearing equipment between animals when possible
- Shear young or known clean animals first
- Use clean yards and minimise sharp edges that cause skin injuries
4. Managing Abscesses Safely
If an abscess is identified:
- Isolate the animal immediately
- Do not lance abscesses in yards or shared areas
- Drain abscesses in a controlled area if advised by a veterinarian
- Dispose of pus and contaminated materials safely
- Disinfect the area and equipment thoroughly
5. Culling Chronic Cases
Animals with recurring abscesses or signs of internal CL are ongoing sources of infection. Strategic culling is often necessary to reduce long term disease pressure.
Can CL Be Eliminated?
CL is difficult to completely eradicate once established, but it can be effectively controlled. A combination of vaccination, strict hygiene, biosecurity, and careful stock selection can dramatically reduce its impact over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CL contagious to humans?
CL rarely infects humans, but it can occur through open wounds. Always wear gloves and practise good hygiene when handling abscesses.
Should animals with CL be treated with antibiotics?
Antibiotics are generally ineffective because the bacteria are sealed inside thick abscess walls. Management focuses on prevention, vaccination, and reducing spread.
Can sheep and goats spread CL to each other?
Yes. Goats and sheep can transmit CL to one another, particularly when they share yards, sheds, or handling equipment.
Is CL visible at slaughter?
Many cases of internal CL are only detected at slaughter, where abscesses in organs may lead to carcass trimming or condemnation.
Key Takeaway
CL is a serious and persistent disease, but with early identification and disciplined prevention practices, its impact can be significantly reduced. Vaccination, hygiene, and biosecurity are the foundation of protecting your goats and sheep from long term losses.
