Caseous Lymphadenitis in Goats: Welfare Management and Flock Control

CLA is a chronic bacterial infection causing painful abscesses in goats with welfare impacts from discomfort, systemic spread, and effects on production.

Key Facts

Caseous lymphadenitis is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis forming abscesses in lymph nodes
External abscesses appear as firm swellings on the neck, face, and limbs
Internal abscesses in lungs, liver, and kidneys cause wasting and reduced productivity
The bacterium can survive in soil for months making environmental contamination a persistent problem
No licensed vaccine is available in many countries making control challenging

Welfare Considerations

Goats with CLA develop painful abscesses that rupture and discharge thick caseous pus. External abscesses cause discomfort at affected sites. Internal abscesses in lungs cause progressive respiratory deterioration with chronic cough and weight loss. Severely affected animals waste progressively and may require euthanasia. The chronic pain from multiple concurrent abscesses causes sustained welfare impacts. Flock management preventing introduction of infected animals is the primary welfare protection strategy.

What You Can Do

Screen purchased goats for CLA before introduction to prevent flock spread
Implement closed herd policies or rigorous quarantine for incoming animals
Isolate animals with ruptured abscesses to prevent environmental contamination
Consult your vet about autogenous vaccines where commercial products are unavailable
Develop a flock health monitoring system for early abscess detection and management