Caseous Lymphadenitis in sheep and goats – “Cheese Glands”

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic infectious disease that affects small ruminants and is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. This highly contagious pathogen leads to significant economic losses in the livestock industry due to loss of productivity, rejection of carcasses, and increased veterinary costs. CLA is characterised by the formation of abscesses in lymph nodes and internal organs. Rupture of these nodes can lead to additional contamination of the environment and further transmission. Diagnosis of CLA involves clinical examination, bacterial cultures, serological testing, and advanced molecular techniques for more accurate detection. Treatment options are limited and often ineffective as the pathogen can survive in abscesses and evade the host's immune response. Antibiotic therapy can provide temporary relief but does not eliminate infection, emphasising the importance of prevention measures. Control strategies focus on biosecurity, culling infected animals, and vaccination. While currently available vaccines reduce the incidence and severity of the disease, they do not provide complete immunity and need to be further improved. Understanding the virulence mechanisms of the pathogen and the interactions between the host and pathogen is crucial for the development of more effective vaccines and therapeutic approaches. Ongoing research and new ideas are crucial to reduce the impact of CLA on animal health and the farm economy. This emphasises the need for comprehensive management strategies, including strict hygiene measures, regular checks, and targeted vaccination plans. In addition, due to its zoonotic potential, C. pseudotuberculosis can contaminate meat and milk from infected animals, posing a risk to consumers. The ability of the pathogen to infect both animals and humans emphasises the importance of research into its prevention and diagnosis.