Ice-berg Diseases in Sheep – Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA)

CLA – Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) was first detected in UK sheep during 1987 following the importation of infected goats from Germany. Caused by the bacterium “Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis” this is a chronic disease often characterised by the formation of abscesses within the lymph nodes and/or internal organs of infected animals. CLA infection has the ability to increase levels of chronic mastitis within a flock, significantly reducing the performance and milk yield of ewes – shortening their productive lifespan. At present, there is no commercially available vaccine for CLA within the UK – however, flocks and individuals can be tested to establish whether CLA is present.