There are some clinical symptoms to watch for; however, consult your private veterinarian to make an actual diagnosis. Usually calves are found prostrate and nearly dead or dead. Once an animal starts to suffer from blackleg, the disease causes a rapid death that occurs within 12 to 24 hours. Affected animals that are still alive are severely depressed, febrile, and lame. Animals that die from this will swell and decompose rapidly. Another point to watch for is crackling skin due to compression of gas bubbles within the muscles that can be felt when pressure is applied to the shoulder muscles and the hindquarter muscles.
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How do I know of my calves are suffering from blackleg?
Last Updated: February 18, 2008
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