Diseases Produced by Clostridium perfringens Type D

Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D, sometimes also called overeating disease or pulpy kidney disease, is a prevalent clostridial disease of sheep and goats. This chapter discusses the etiology, epidemiology and pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of diseases produced by C. perfringens type D. Type D enterotoxemia in sheep is a pure enterotoxemia, with no bacterial invasion of tissues, whereas in goats it may be a pure enterotoxemia, a localized enteric disease, or a combination of both. C. perfringens type D produces two typing toxins, namely alpha (CPA) and epsilon (ETX), although most type D isolates may express several other toxins. In sheep, a presumptive clinical diagnosis can be based on a history of access to heavy grain or concentrate feeding or abundant lush pasture, and clinical signs, especially in unvaccinated thriving lambs. Immunity in sheep is readily produced by vaccination, most vaccines being alum-adsorbed ETX toxoid.