Black quarter (black-leg)

Black quarter (black-leg)

It is an acute infectious and highly fatal, bacterial disease of cattle. Buffaloes, sheep and goats are also affected. Young cattle between 6-24 months of age, in good body condition are mostly affected. It is soil-borne infection which generally occurs during rainy season. In India, the disease is sporadic (1-2 animal) in nature.

Causal organism: it is a bacterial disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei

Symptoms:

·         Fever (106-108°F), Loss of appetite, Depression and dullness

·         Suspended rumination

·         Rapid pulse and heart rates

·         Difficult breathing (dyspnoea)

·         Lameness in affected leg

·         Crepitation swelling over hip, back & shoulder

·         Swelling is hot & painful in early stages whereas cold and painless inter.

·         Recumbency (prostration) followed by death within 12-48 hrs.

Treatment:

·         Early treatment can be possible to complete cure of the animal.

·         Consult with veterinarian immediately.

Ethnovet practice :

The following measure is to be taken up in the month of May / June every year.

Exudates of thirugukalli (Euphorbia tirucalli), kodikalli (Sareostemma brevistigma), aththi (Ficus racemosa), banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis), madara (Calotropis gigantea) are taken at the rate of 1 to 15 drops each in a stainless-steel vessel and mixed with 50 ml of sesame oil and ragi flour are added and made into a paste. This paste is applied as dot (coin size) in each animal in the groin region. (the above material may be used for about 50 animals).