Braxy is a severe, often fatal, infectious disease that primarily affects sheep. It progresses rapidly and is particularly problematic during colder months.
What Braxy Is
Braxy is caused by the bacterium Clostridium septicum, which is commonly found in soil and within the gut of healthy sheep. The disease typically develops when animals consume frozen or cold feed, such as frosted pastures. This cold forage can damage the lining of the abomasum.
The damage to the abomasal lining allows dormant Clostridium septicum spores to multiply rapidly. As these bacteria proliferate, they produce potent toxins that cause severe localized infection and toxemia. While sheep are most vulnerable, braxy can occasionally affect goats and calves.
Identifying Braxy
The clinical signs of braxy are characterized by sudden onset and rapid progression, often resulting in sudden death with few or no observable symptoms. Affected animals may appear depressed, refuse to eat, and show signs of abdominal pain or discomfort. They might also stagger, develop a frothy discharge from the mouth and nose, or be reluctant to move.
Finding animals dead without prior signs is a common indicator of braxy. In some cases, a high fever may be observed before death. The rapid progression of the disease means that affected sheep typically become recumbent and die within 12 to 36 hours of symptom onset.
Preventing Braxy
Prevention of braxy primarily relies on vaccination, with a clostridial vaccine that includes Clostridium septicum being effective. Regular vaccination schedules are recommended for lambs and ewes in areas where the disease is prevalent. Lambs can be vaccinated starting around six weeks of age, with booster doses administered according to veterinary guidance.
Management practices also play a role in reducing risk. Providing adequate shelter helps protect animals from extreme cold. Avoiding the feeding of frozen or frosted forage is important. Ensuring constant access to unfrozen water is also a beneficial practice.
Responding to Braxy Cases
If braxy is suspected, immediate action is necessary, though treatment is often ineffective due to the disease’s rapid progression. Diagnosis is frequently confirmed through a post-mortem examination, which reveals characteristic lesions in the abomasum, including severe inflammation, edema, and hemorrhage. Identification of Clostridium septicum in affected tissues further confirms the diagnosis.
Antibiotic treatment is not successful because animals are typically found dead or in advanced stages of the disease. Proper carcass disposal, such as burning or deep burial, is important to prevent environmental contamination with Clostridium septicum spores. It is important to note that braxy is not considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it is not transmissible to humans.