Back from the Vet: Clostridial Diseases in Goats

If you have owned goats for any amount of time, likely, you have used or heard of a clostridial vaccine. Clostridial vaccinations are the only universally recommended vaccinations in goats. While other vaccinations may be indicated for your herd, clostridial vaccinations, particularly those combinations containing Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium tetani are always recommended to be used as part of your herd health plan.  Clostridia are bacterial organisms, characterized by their ability to survive as dormant spores. Clostridial bacteria are also known for their production of toxic chemicals. The toxic chemicals that are produced by these bacteria are the cause of disease seen in animals. Because of that, clostridial diseases are not contagious, or spread from animal to animal.   Clostridium perfringens has multiple subtypes. Those that most commonly cause disease in goats are Clostridium perfringens type C and D. Clostridial bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy animals at low numbers. Disease occurs when the animal becomes