What is in news : Enterotoxemia caused the death of 35 sheep in Shivamogga district recently

About :

• Enterotoxemia
  • Is a bacterial disease in sheep and goats.
  • Strains— Clostridium Perfringens — are found in low numbers in the gastrointestinal tract of all sheep and goats.
  • when the number of Clostridium Perfringens explode, toxin is released which results in death.
• Reasons behind triggering of the bacteria is the change of diet of the animal.
• Signs
  • The animals may abruptly go off of feed and become lethargic.
  • Affected animals may show signs of stomach pain, such as kicking at their belly, repeatedly laying down and getting up, laying on their sides, panting, and crying out.
  • Diarrhea may develop; in some cases, there is blood visible in the loose stool.
  • Animals may lose the ability to stand, lay on their sides, and extend their legs, with their head and neck extended back over their withers.
  • This posture is caused by the effects of the toxins on the brain.
  • Death commonly occurs within minutes to hours after this sign is seen.
• NOTE : Because enterotoxemia can progress so quickly, animals may be found dead with no previous signs of disease.
• Treatment
  • May not be successful in severe cases.
  • Veterinarians treat mild cases with analgesics, probiotics (gels or pastes with “good bacteria), oral electrolyte solutions, and antisera, which is a solution of concentrated antibodies that neutralize the toxins that these bacteria produce
  • Severe cases may require intravenous fluids, antibiotic therapy, and other types of supportive care, such as supplemental oxygen.
  • Prevention of enterotoxemia is far more likely to be successful than trying to treat the disease