With abundant spring growth, losses due to enterotoxaemia (Pulpy Kidney) and bloat become a definite possibility.

Enterotoxaemia is caused by a toxin produced by clostridium bacteria, which is found in the bowel of normal cattle and sheep. 

Enterotoxaemia occurs when a large amount of readily fermentable feed is present in the bowel leading to rapid multiplication of the bacteria and a lethal level of toxin production.

Due to the rapid progression of the disease, an animal affected by enterotoxaemia will usually simply be found dead in the paddock. Rapid decay of the carcass is seen. 

Young stock in good condition up to two years of age are most commonly affected, however deaths can occur in older stock.

A study in the 1980s showed that over 50 per cent of so-called Grass tetany cases were actually enterotoxaemia.

Little can be done to treat an animal affected by enterotoxaemia. 

The key to prevention is to ensure livestock are adequately protected through vaccination.

As with any vaccination program adult cows and ewes should be vaccinated approximately one month prior to calving to give their calves and lambs maternal or passive immunity through the colostrum. 

Passive immunity lasts approximately six weeks after which calves and lambs need to be vaccinated to gain active immunity by two injections at least four weeks apart. 

Most vaccines give 12 months of protection, so should be given annually.

A feature of the enterotoxaemia vaccine is that the duration of immunity may be short, only three or four months of protection.

Therefore a booster dose should be given before a high risk period, namely at the beginning of spring.

For more information contact your veterinarian or DEDJTR Veterinary or Animal Health Officer, or your Local Land Services.