Is black leg in horses the same in cattle?

Answer 1

Blackleg is a bacteria causing spore that can infect some pastures. If the horse (or other cattle) ingests it or gets it in a wound, it can quickly become fatal. The animal can die in 48-72 hours of becoming infected. There are vaccinations available.

Answer 2

Blackleg is a clostridial bacterial infection that most commonly strikes young cattle that are less than a year old. It is also a concern in young horses and sheep. Clostridial spp. of bacteria are found in the soil, and enters the animal through a wound or ingestion of the organisms. Clostridium chauvoei is a common bacterium that causes this disease, but there are other Clostridium species that are also to blame. This disease is highly fatal, and is rarely caught early enough to be treated and have the animal live on after the infection has passed over. The most common symptom that is associated with Blackleg is swelling in the areas of the neck, shoulder, flanks, thighs and breast, which crackle under pressure. Death occurs often 3 days after onset of the symptoms or sooner.

Vaccination should be made mandatory for all farms that have a history of Blackleg or are in an area that is prone to outbreaks of this disease. 8-way or 9-way Clostridium vaccines are available at your veterinarian's, and some feed stores may sell this vaccine as well.

Answer 3

No. Besides, horses are not known for getting blackleg: cattle are if not vaccinated for the disease.