Blackleg: A Review of the Agent and Management of the Disease in Brazil

Simple Summary Blackleg is a bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle but can also affect other cloven-hoofed animals such as sheep and goats. It is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Clostridium chauvoei and is prevalent in many parts of the world, including Brazil. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent blackleg. In Brazil, various types of vaccine are available, and they are typically administered to young animals. Brazil is a vast country with diverse climates and ecosystems. This can present challenges in terms of disease management strategies that are effective across all regions. In more remote areas, access to veterinary care and supplies may be limited, which can hinder timely diagnosis and treatment.Abstract The genus Clostridium is an important group of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria with a sporulation capacity and wide distribution in different environments, including the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy and diseased animals and humans. Among the pathogenic species of the genus, Clostridium chauvoei stands out as a histotoxic agent. It causes significant myonecrosis such as blackleg, a disease with high lethality, especially in young cattle, and is responsible for significant livestock losses worldwide. The pathogenicity of the disease is complex and has not yet been fully elucidated. Current hypotheses cover processes from the initial absorption to the transport and deposition of the agent in the affected tissues. The virulence factors of C. chauvoei have been divided into somatic and flagellar antigens and soluble antigens/toxins, which are the main antigens used in vaccines against blackleg in Brazil and worldwide. This review provides important information on the first and current approaches to the agent C. chauvoei and its virulence factors as well as a compilation of data on Brazilian studies related to blackleg.