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Clostridial myocarditis in lambs
J R Glastonbury1, J E Searson, I J Links
1New South Wales Department of Agriculture, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Wagga Wagga.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Sudden death in young sheep was linked to myocarditis during pasture growth. Clostridium chauvoei was identified as a likely cause in four of five outbreaks, indicating a significant sheep health concern.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Sheep Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Myocarditis outbreaks occurred in young sheep during periods of lush pasture growth after drought.
- The clinical presentation was characterized by sudden death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of five outbreaks of myocarditis in young sheep.
- To identify the etiological agent responsible for the observed pathology.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and pathological examination of affected sheep.
- Fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) on paraffin-embedded myocardial tissue.
- Histopathological analysis of necrotizing and hemorrhagic myocarditis.
Main Results:
- Pathological findings included acute multifocal, locally extensive necrotizing and hemorrhagic myocarditis.
- Clostridium chauvoei was detected in myocardial sections from 4 out of 5 outbreaks using FAT.
- The disease occurred during late winter and spring with significant pasture regrowth.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium chauvoei is implicated as the causative agent in the majority of investigated sheep myocarditis outbreaks.
- Environmental factors, such as lush pasture post-drought, may contribute to the occurrence of the disease.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing Clostridium chauvoei-associated myocarditis in sheep herds.