Systematic Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology

DIAGNOSIS, CONTROL AND PREVENTION

• Based on History
• Based on Symptoms - The most obvious sign is crepitate swelling particularly in the hind or fore quarter which rackels when rubbed with the fingers as a result of gas production
• Smears prepared from the lesions and oedmatous fluid reveal Gram positve rod.
• Isolation can be done from the center of the lesion, oedematous fluid and from heart blood & spleen.
• FAT used to differentiate from C. septicum
• Broth cultures or oedematous fluid from the lesions can be tested for toxicity and specific neutralization by antitoxin in mice or guinea pigs.
  • The most reliable results are obtained from using a formalized alum precipitated whole culture that confers immunity against the bacteria as well as the toxin.
  • For economic reasons a multi-component vaccine containing C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C.welchii type D and C. tetani is used.
  • A stronger immunity is stimulated by two doses of vaccine at a time interval of at least 2-3 weeks

Control and prevention

• Hyper immune serum (HIS) is used to control explosive outbreaks. Penicillin along with HIS is used to treat the disease.
• Oxytetracycline & Chlortetracycline can also be employed effectively in early stages.