Clostridium Novyi Type B – infectious necrotic hepatitis, black disease
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

1. Diseases

This is a disease primarily of sheep and cattle and has NOT been diagnosed in Angora goats in South Africa

The bacteria can be found in the soil after spread form faeces or decomposing carcases.

Animals ingest the spores when grazing which cross the intestinal wall into the blood where they are taken up by the liver, spleen and can remain latent until stimulated. Liver fluke is often the stimulation for the development of the disease.

Clinical signs in sheep

• Found dead
• Arched back, neck extended
• Depressed and reluctant to move
• Rapid shallow breathing
• Ruminal atony

REFERENCE

Infectious diseases of livestock, Southern Africa – Coetzer,Thomson,Tustin