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Hughenden, Queensland – A North Queensland cattle producer has lost 25 head of cattle too blackleg disease in a recent outbreak, prompting urgent warnings from veterinary authorities about the importance of vaccination and reporting suspected cases.
Blackleg, caused by the bacterium Clostridium chauvoei, is a highly fatal disease affecting cattle, notably those under two years of age. While outbreaks are sporadic, they can cause notable economic losses for producers.The recent incident near Hughenden, a town in the Flinders Shire approximately 380 kilometers southwest of Townsville, highlights the ongoing risk.
Local veterinarian Dr. Emily Harriman of the Hughenden Veterinary Clinic, urged producers to be vigilant and report any signs of the disease to their local vet or Biosecurity Queensland. She noted some producers may be hesitant to report cases for fear of regulatory repercussions.
“It’s just so vital that producers do speak up about these sorts of things and contact your local vet,” Dr. Harriman said.
Cattle grazing in the Hughenden region, which has benefited from recent rainfall. (ABC News: Brooke Tindall)
symptoms of blackleg include sudden lameness, particularly in the hind legs, accompanied by swelling in the muscles. Affected animals often exhibit fever, depression, and a loss of appetite. A key diagnostic sign is subcutaneous emphysema – gas accumulating under the skin, creating a characteristic crackling sensation when palpated.
the disease is often rapidly progressive and fatal. Vaccination is a highly effective preventative measure, and Dr. harriman recommends it for all cattle, regardless of location, due to the potential for widespread outbreaks.
“It doesn’t affect one or two animals; it comes in outbreaks,”
she said.
While blackleg does not spread directly between animals, the Clostridium chauvoei spores can persist in the soil for years, particularly in areas