Search
Download
Caseous lymphadenitis, commonly referred to as CL, is a contagious disease of sheep and goats caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. It is manifested by abscesses of the lymph nodes and occa sionally of the internal organs.Caseous lymphadenitis is spread through contact with an infected animal or contaminated environment. Once in the environment, this bacteria can survive for long periods of time and infect other animals.
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis can infect people, especially those who are occupationally exposed, such as farmers, abattoir workers and shearers, but human cases are rare. Infection through breaks in the skin can be prevented by wearing disposable gloves when handling infected animals. Infection can also spread to people drinking raw milk from infected animals. Only adequately pasteurized milk should be consumed.
See the fact sheet for more information about this disease including clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture
