The course of the disease is usually short at 1-3 days. Once an outbreak begins, animals may be seen with fever, lack of rumination, excitement followed by depression, difficulty breathing, uncoordinated movements, convulsions and death. Bloody discharges from the natural body openings as well as edema in different parts of the body are sometimes observed. Some animals may be saved if treated very early with penicillin or tetracyclines. In animals that die, bloody discharges from the body openings are commonly found.
Decomposition is more rapid than in other conditions and the carcasses become bloated with gases.
Rigor mortis or stiffening is not complete. When necropsied, hemorrhages are found in the internal organs. Enlargement of the spleen is almost always present. An open, decaying carcass as well as discharges and secretions from the carcass or dying animals will contaminate the ground and protected spores will develop. Scavengers or well-meaning veterinarians seeking to the learn the cause of death may also open the carcass.