Enterotoxaemia is a rapidly fatal disease that affects cattle of all ages, but is most common in young calves. It is caused by the ingestion of large amounts of alpha toxin, which can occur when cattle consume feed that has been contaminated with C. perfringens spores. Symptoms of enterotoxaemia include:
* Sudden death
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
* Abdominal pain
* Bloating
* Depression
Blackleg is a disease that affects cattle of all ages, but is most common in young calves and feedlot cattle. It is caused by the ingestion of C. perfringens spores, which can grow and produce alpha toxin in the muscles of the animal. Symptoms of blackleg include:
* Lameness
* Swelling of the muscles
* Fever
* Depression
* Death
Necrotic enteritis is a disease that affects the small intestine of cattle. It is caused by the ingestion of C. perfringens spores, which can grow and produce alpha toxin in the intestine. Symptoms of necrotic enteritis include:
* Diarrhea
* Weight loss
* Poor growth
* Depression
* Death
In addition to these diseases, alpha toxin can also cause a variety of other health problems in cattle, including:
* Liver damage
* Kidney damage
* Heart damage
* Respiratory problems
Alpha toxin is a potent toxin, and even small amounts can be harmful to cattle. It is important to take steps to prevent cattle from consuming feed that has been contaminated with C. perfringens spores. These steps include:
* Vaccinating cattle against C. perfringens
* Avoiding feeding cattle feed that is contaminated with manure
* Storing feed in a cool, dry place
* Discarding any feed that is moldy or spoiled