SKUAST Journal of Research

The cause of death in Sirohi goats at a farm maintaining flock of different goat breeds was investigated. To achieve aetio-pathological diagnosis, clinical history was recorded and detailed necropsy conducted. After establishing tentative diagnosis, laboratory investigations including histo-pathology, Grams staining of smears, analysis for glycosuria, bacterial isolation and characterization and ELISA for the identification of ε-toxin of Clostridium perfringens type D were carried out. Twelve Sirohi goats of 4–8 months age died within a period of 8 days following introduction of lush grasses and concentrates in the month of June. The goats showed acute to sub-acute course and showed signs characteristic of enteriotoxaemia. The pathomorphological lesions observed included oedema and haemorrhages in viscera and brain. Additionally inflammatory response was prominent histopathological change. Glucosuria was observed in 5 out of 6 animals tested. Samples of duodenal, ileal and colon contents were collected and analyzed for ε-toxin using ELISA. Microbiological investigations confirmed Clostridium perfringens. ε-toxin was detected in 83% ileal content samples, 66% duodenal content samples and 50% colon content samples. The tests confirmed C. perfringens type D enterotoxaemia. Mortality in only Sirohi goats suggested higher sensitivity of breed and investigations are needed to confirm breed predisposition.