What disease is a highly fatal disease of young cattle caused by the spore forming, gas producing bacteria Clostridium chauvoei?

• A. Anthrax
• B. Bovine respiratory disease
• C. Malignant edema
• D. Blackleg

Answer: (D)

Blackleg is the disease described. It’s a highly fatal clostridial infection in young cattle caused by Clostridium chauvoei, a spore-forming, gas-producing bacterium. The spores persist in soil and can be activated after a cattle experiences a muscle injury or stress, allowing the bacteria to germinate in muscle tissue. Once active, they produce gas and toxins that cause necrotizing myositis, leading to sudden lameness, swelling with a characteristic crackling (crepitus) feeling from gas in the tissue, fetid odor, and often rapid death.

This disease is distinct from malignant edema, which is typically linked to Clostridium septicum, and from anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, which presents very differently (often with rapid onset of high fever, bleeding, and septic signs). Understanding the organism and its preferred tissue environment explains why blackleg is the best fit for the description. Vaccination and good management help prevent outbreaks, while treatment after signs appear is usually not successful due to the rapid progression.