Strain or strains of the bacterium, Leptospira pomona, Leptospira canicola, Leptospira hardjo, Leptospira grippotyphosa, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae and others. Generally, this disease is found to cause abortions, anemia, and systemic disease in sheep. Necessity of vaccination may vary due to exposure risk and other factors. Killed bacterins are available which produce protective levels of immunity. This bacteria inhabits contaminated soil and enters the body through open wounds such as castration, tail docking, or lacerations.
Man is susceptible to tetanus.
The disease usually manifests itself as muscle spasms, stiffness, and other nervous system signs. Tetanus toxoid is effective in prevention when administered to healthy animals. This is important especially on premises considered to be at risk for occurrence of tetanus. Clostridium chauvoei, Clostridium septicum, Clostridium novyi. These bacterial soil inhabitants cause occasional disease in the sheep population.