Can also cause blackleg but not as likely as C. chauveoi . In contrast to Blackleg, gas is not usually produced. Associated with growth of the organism in liver infarcts caused by primary infection with liver flukes. Local tissue damage in the liver caused by the liver fluke migrating or causing infarcts of the branches of the portal vein which allows the establishment of an anaerobic environment. Toxin production begins in the localized area causing further damage and allowing toxin to gain access to the blood eventually causing death.
Organisms occur in the soil and in the intestinal tract of herbivors.
Occurs in sheep and occasionally cattle. G. Clostridium perfringens - Enterotoxemia Encounter 1. Type A - probably more widespread than any other pathogenic bacterium. It is present in air, soil, dust, and manure and in water of lakes, streams, and rivers. It has been isolated from vegetables, milk, cheese, canned food, fresh meat, shellfish, and mollusks.