caseous: adjective
ca·se·ous: ˈkā-sē-əs
Etymology
Latin caseus: cheese
: cheesy 🧀
Lymphadenitis is the medical term for inflamed and enlarged lymph nodes. It is usually due to an infection. Lymph nodes are filled with white blood cells that help your body fight infections
Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is found globally but is most prevalent in major sheep and goat-producing regions. It is especially common in Australia, New Zealand, North and South America (particularly Brazil and the western United States), the Middle East, and parts of Europe (like Spain).
The disease, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, occurs essentially anywhere small ruminants are farmed. Specific geographical and regional dynamics include:
Oceania: Historically, CLA (often called “cheesy gland”) has been highly prevalent in Australia and New Zealand, causing major economic impacts on the wool and meat industries.
The Americas: High infection rates have been documented in commercial goat herds and sheep flocks in the USA (with rates reaching up to 40% in some Western states) and Brazil.
Europe & Asia: It is endemic in several parts of the Middle East and Europe, although countries like the United Kingdom have lower within-flock transmission rates.
Because the bacterium is resilient and can persist in soil and bedding for months, the disease easily spreads in intensive farming operations, during shearing, and in close-confinement environments.
For detailed prevalence maps or regional eradication programs, consult resources such as the Merck Veterinary Manual or the NADIS Disease A-Z for European context.
https://www.nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/sheep/caseous-lymphadenitis-cla/
Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA), commonly caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is a disease that has plagued small ruminants for over a century. The exact bacterium was discovered in 1888, making the disease entity well over 135 years old. It has been widespread in the global goat and sheep industries since the 18th century, with significant outbreaks recorded as far back as the late 1800s.
History of CLA in the Goat Industry18th – 19th Century Origins: The widespread global distribution of the disease is believed to have originated from the exportation of sheep and goats by colonial powers during the 18th century. The first official clinical cases were documented in the veterinary literature during the last few decades of the 19th century.
Global Spread: As international livestock trade and dairy goat imports expanded throughout the 20th century, the pathogen spread globally. For instance, modern outbreaks in countries historically free of the disease were frequently linked to imported animals, such as in the Netherlands (1984) and the United Kingdom (early 1990s).
Modern Industry Burden: By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the disease was deeply embedded in global commercial meat and dairy herds, becoming one of the most common chronic, contagious issues affecting small ruminants.
Age of Affected Animals
While you might be asking about the evolutionary age of the disease, if you are referring to the age at which a goat contracts or shows symptoms:
The bacteria can enter through open wounds (like shearing nicks, ear-tagging, or fighting) at any age.
However, clinical signs (abscesses of the superficial or internal lymph nodes) rarely appear in kids less than 6 months old.
The incidence and severity of the disease heavily increase with the age of the goat, with the highest prevalence typically seen in animals older than 1 to 4 years.
Because the bacteria can survive for several months in the environment (on straw, soil, or equipment) and spreads rapidly via ruptured abscesses, it requires strict biosecurity and culling protocols to control. If you are looking to diagnose, test, or manage this condition in your herd, review the detailed disease guidelines and resources provided by the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory or the USDA APHIS Goat Health Reports.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/goat09_dr_partii_rev_1.pdf
Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. It is primarily characterized by pus-filled abscesses in the lymph nodes and internal organs. Depending on the host animal and affected body system, it is known by several common nicknames.
Small Ruminants (Sheep & Goats)
Cheesy Gland: The most common nickname among livestock owners, referring to the thick, dry, “cheesy” consistency of the pus in abscesses.
Lympho: A shortened, colloquial term for lymphadenitis.
Thin Ewe Syndrome: A nickname used to describe the internal form of CL in sheep, where abscesses in the lungs and organs cause chronic weight loss and poor body condition.
Bone Disease / Pseudotuberculosis: Occasionally used interchangeably by livestock producers.
Horses
Pigeon Fever (or Pigeon Breast): The most common term for C. pseudotuberculosis infections in horses. It gets this name from the large, localized abscesses typically found in the pectoral region (chest) that make the horse’s chest appear swollen like a pigeon.
Dryland Distemper: Another common equine name for the same infection, referencing its prevalence in dry, arid regions during the summer and fall.
Chest Abscesses / Pectoral Abscesses: Descriptive veterinary terms for the condition.
Cattle & Other Animals
Contagious Abscesses / Suppurative Lymphadenitis: General clinical names for the condition when it affects cattle, buffalo, pigs, and camelids.
Humans
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infection: Because CL is a zoonotic disease, it is usually referred to by the medical name of the causative bacteria. In humans, it typically presents as localized lymphadenitis or cutaneous (skin) ulcers.
For comprehensive clinical or veterinary information regarding the spread and management of the disease, visit the Merck Veterinary Manual on Caseous Lymphadenitis.
CL stands for Caseous Lymphadenitis. It is a chronic, highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The disease is best known for forming thick, cheesy, pus-filled abscesses in the lymph nodes just under the skin, or internally within major organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
What Animals Can Get CL?
While primarily recognized in livestock, CL can affect a wide variety of species, including humans:
Primary Hosts: Sheep and goats are the most commonly affected animals.
Other Susceptible Livestock & Wildlife: Horses, cattle, swine (pigs), camelids (llamas and alpacas), deer, and rabbits.
Humans: Because CL is zoonotic, humans can contract the infection through direct contact with ruptured abscesses or contaminated environments (often during the shearing, treating, or butchering of infected animals).
Key Things to KnowExternal vs. Internal: The external form causes visible lumps (usually around the neck, jaw, or shoulder). The internal form is harder to spot and causes the animal to slowly waste away as it affects organ function.
Transmission: It spreads easily between animals through contact with ruptured pus, contaminated equipment (like shears or tattoo pliers), or shared environmental surfaces.
Treatment & Management: There is no permanent cure for CL; even if abscesses are drained or treated, they frequently recur. Management typically involves strict biosecurity, isolating infected individuals, and cleaning equipment.
Producers often rely on commercial vaccines and routine blood testing (screening) to reduce the spread of the disease in their herds and flocks. To learn more about how to test, vaccinate, or safely handle potentially infected animals, consult a livestock veterinarian or visit the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Sheep and goats get Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) when the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis enters their body, most commonly through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. The disease is highly contagious and spreads primarily through contact with pus from ruptured abscesses or contaminated equipment.
The bacteria can enter and spread through a few main methods:
Open Abscesses (Direct Contact): When external abscesses on infected animals grow and rupture, they expel thick, cheesy pus. If this pus comes into contact with another animal’s skin, it can easily penetrate even tiny, invisible scratches to start an infection.
Contaminated Equipment: The bacteria are incredibly hardy and can survive for months in soil or on wooden surfaces. Sharing equipment—such as shears, hoof trimmers, ear taggers, or tattooing pliers—can easily transmit the bacteria from an infected animal to a healthy one if the tools are not thoroughly disinfected.
Wounds: Routine husbandry procedures create easy entry points. Animals can be infected during shearing, castration, tail docking, or ear tagging if the environment or equipment is contaminated.
Respiratory & Oral Transmission: If an animal has internal CL abscesses, it can expel the bacteria through nasal secretions, coughing, or even breathing. Healthy herd mates can then inhale the bacteria or ingest it from contaminated feed and water troughs. Kids and lambs can also contract it by drinking infected milk if the mother has a mammary abscess.
Insect Bites: While less common, insects like horse flies can mechanically carry the bacteria and spread it from animal to animal.
Because CL is a chronic and lifelong condition, strict biosecurity and hygiene are essential. For detailed prevention, treatment, and testing guidelines, you can consult resources like the Merck Veterinary Manual or the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
It typically takes 2 to 6 months for visible symptoms of Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) to appear in sheep and goats after the initial infection. However, the incubation period can range from as little as 1 month to several years.
Because of this long and variable incubation period, seemingly healthy animals can still be actively spreading the disease.
Understanding CL Progression
External Abscesses: The most common first sign is swollen, firm lymph nodes around the head, neck, and shoulders. Over 2 to 6 months, these swellings turn into abscesses, ripen (soften), cause hair loss, and eventually rupture, leaking thick, yellow or greenish pus.
Internal Abscesses: The bacteria can also infect internal organs (lungs, liver, kidneys). While goats predominantly show external signs, sheep are more prone to hidden, internal abscesses, which lead to chronic weight loss and respiratory distress rather than visible lumps.
Managing Risk
Quarantine: Whenever you bring new sheep or goats to your property, it is crucial to isolate them for at least 2 months to watch for developing abscesses.
Testing & Prevention: Because the disease is contagious and can persist in the environment, consult with a veterinarian to establish a herd screening or vaccination protocol. You can utilize resources like the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab to run serology (blood) or culture tests to accurately identify the presence of CL
https://www.youtube.com/live/BsM5ibP1rzo?si=iK3yOZK7Vm3lzQ_3
There is no proven cure for Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) using only herbs, vitamins, or essential oils. CLA is a highly contagious bacterial disease (caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) that requires veterinary intervention. Natural remedies are strictly used as supportive care alongside proper medical management.
The Medical Reality
CLA manifests as internal and external abscesses. If a CLA abscess bursts, it contaminates the environment, putting the rest of your herd at risk. Herbal or essential oil therapy will not kill the bacteria inside the abscess walls.
Supportive Natural CareIf you are managing the disease alongside a veterinarian, several holistic remedies can help support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and soothe the skin.
Herbs: Immune-boosting and detoxifying herbs are used to support overall wellness and white blood cell function. Common herbs include:
Turmeric & Ginger: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic: Supports the immune system and has mild antibacterial properties.
Burdock Root, Red Clover, & Echinacea: Often used as tonics to help support lymphatic drainage and clear the blood.
Vitamins & Minerals: A robust immune system requires the right building blocks.
Vitamin E and Selenium: Deficiencies in these areas are common in certain regions and weaken immune responses.
Vitamin C: Can be supplemented to aid white blood cell production during illness.
Moringa & Alfalfa: Excellent natural sources of vitamins and trace minerals.
Essential Oils: Essential oils must never be ingested by ruminants, as they can disrupt rumen flora and cause toxicity. When applied topically and highly diluted, some oils offer support:
Antibacterial/Antifungal: Lavender and Geranium oils are often used to clean the skin or soothe irritation.
Anti-inflammatory: Frankincense and Pine have mild anti-inflammatory properties.
Warning: Never apply oils to an open, draining abscess, as it can cause extreme pain and tissue damage
Catching Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) in sheep and goats early relies on serum blood testing and routine palpation before abscesses erupt. Because CL can hide as internal abscesses or remain dormant during the incubation period, testing and strict isolation are your most reliable tools.
Early Detection StrategiesSHI (Synergistic Hemolysin Inhibition) Blood Test: This is the most common screening test. It detects antibodies against the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacteria.
Routine Physical Palpation: Inspect your animals monthly by running your hands over common lymph node areas to feel for firm, painless lumps. Check under the jaw, behind the ears, in front of the shoulder, and in the flank/rear leg areas.
Quarantine New Additions: Isolate all new animals for at least 30–60 days and test them before allowing them near your main herd or flock.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Vaccinated Animals: If you vaccinate your herd against CL, blood tests will show up as false-positives because the animal will carry antibodies from the vaccine. Do not test a recently vaccinated herd.
Internal Abscesses: Blood tests cannot pinpoint the exact location of internal abscesses, which sometimes form without any external lumps.
Diagnostic ConfirmationIf you find a suspicious lump, do not pop it, as the pus is highly contagious. Isolate the animal immediately and contact a large animal veterinarian. They can perform a physical aspirate or use a PCR/bacterial culture to confirm if the lump is CL.
For a deeper dive into the disease or to find diagnostic laboratories, refer to the Mississippi State University Extension guidelines or review resources provided by The Open Sanctuary Project.
Human infection with Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL)—caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis—is a rare zoonotic disease, primarily contracted by handling infected sheep or goats. It is curable, though treatment requires a combination of surgical removal of infected lymph nodes and targeted, prolonged antibiotic therapy.
What Can HappenWhen humans contract CL, the bacteria typically enter through broken skin and travel to the lymphatic system. This can result in:
Swollen or Abscessed Lymph Nodes: The most common symptom is enlarged, painful, and pus-filled lymph nodes.Systemic Symptoms: You may experience general bacterial infection symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches.
Internal Infections: While much less common in humans than in animals, internal spread can lead to abscesses in organs, causing respiratory issues, extreme weight loss, and chronic fatigue.
Is It Curable?
Yes, human CL is curable, but it can be a slow process.
Surgical Excision: Because the bacteria forms a thick, fibrous wall around abscesses, antibiotics struggle to penetrate the pus. Therefore, surgical removal of the affected lymph glands is often the primary and most effective treatment.
Antibiotics: Surgical intervention is generally supplemented with a course of antibiotics (such as amoxicillin and rifampicin) to clear the infection and prevent recurrence.
If you suspect you have been exposed to a sick animal, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—like gloves and long sleeves—when handling livestock. You can learn more about managing this disease from the Johns Hopkins ABX Guide.
All the more reason to Cull any animal that gets this; others mammals, and you can catch it. Though its not as bad for humans, its best not to risk it.
Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) is considered incurable in livestock because the bacteria form thick, fibrous capsules around abscesses. These hard walls prevent antibiotics from penetrating the infection. Humans, however, rarely get this specific bacterium; when they do, it causes localized, treatable skin ulcers rather than systemic, walled-off internal abscesses.The differences in how the disease behaves and why it affects both humans and livestock differently include:
1. Why Livestock Cannot Be Cured
Thick Capsule Formation: In sheep and goats, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis produces an enzyme that kills tissue and builds a heavy, onion-like fibrous wall around the bacteria. No systemic medicine (antibiotic) can get through this barrier to eradicate the bacteria.
Systemic Hiding Spots: While you can surgically remove or drain external abscesses, the bacteria often spread to internal lymph nodes and vital organs (lungs, liver), which cannot be treated or completely purged.
Lifelong Carriers: Because the bacteria cannot be completely cleared from the animal’s system, an infected goat or sheep is considered a lifelong carrier and sheds the bacteria, putting the rest of the herd or flock at risk.
2. Why It Is “Curable” in Humans
Different Exposure and Severity: Human infections are rare and usually stem from direct occupational contact with the pus (e.g., shearing, butchering) or consuming raw, unpasteurized dairy from infected animals.
Treatable Lesions: In humans, the bacteria generally stay on the outer skin layer. They do not form the same thick, deeply rooted encapsulated abscesses seen in livestock.
Antibiotic Effectiveness: Since the lesions in humans are localized and lack a dense, fibrous wall, standard medical procedures like drainage, cleaning, and targeted antibiotics easily resolve the infection.
For more information on the pathology and biosecurity protocols for managing CL, you can refer to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
The meat is generally safe to eat if the animal was infected with Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL), provided you strictly avoid cross-contamination and the infection has not caused systemic illness. CL is a localized bacterial infection; you must discard any affected lymph nodes or organs and thoroughly cook the meat.
Critical Safety StepsInspect the Carcass: Slaughter facilities routinely condemn carcasses with internal CL abscesses. If the infection has spread to the organs or the animal is emaciated, the entire carcass should be condemned and discarded.
Trim & Discard: Any meat in the immediate vicinity of an external abscess or affected lymph node should be carefully trimmed away and discarded.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: The bacteria (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) lives in the thick, cheesy pus. During butchering, be extremely careful not to let the pus touch the knife, tools, or the edible meat.
Cook Thoroughly: Always ensure meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill any lingering bacteria.
Zoonotic Risk
While CL transmission to humans is rare, the bacteria is zoonotic, meaning it can infect people through direct contact with open cuts or consuming unpasteurized dairy/infected meat. Always wear gloves during the butchering process.
If you are handling the carcass and notice green/yellow discoloration, foul odors, or widespread internal lesions, it is best to err on the side of caution and consult a local veterinarian or USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline for specific guidance
Testing Goats for CAE, CL, and Johnes: https://thriftyhomeste…
CL in Goats: Caseous Lymphadenitis: https://thriftyhomeste…
I’m normally not a vaccine guy, but this is one vaccine I might suggest getting! At the end of her video, she gives two useful and effective treatments; the vaccine is one of them. The other, is the alternative approach. The vaccine is a prevention, the other is what you can do after they are infected. Some animals can develop an immunity, and there are some natural ways to boost or help them with said immunity.
Good news and bad news: If you vaccinate against CL, your animals will always test positive after that; so be aware of that. It is possible for the sheep, goats and other animals to develop an immunity to this disease; but its rare. More bad news, they stopped making the vaccine in 2019. There is no cure, only treatments; so far. The best alternative; is to find natural ways to boost the herd heath, to encourage herd immunity. That and remove anyone from the herd that show signs of information. Test everyone for CL, separately the positive ones from the negative ones. The positive ones could be immune, or they could be infected; you wont know for a year. This disease can lay dormant for up to two years, but you should see signs within the 1st year or so.
To increase your flock’s resistance against Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL), you must focus on building a robust immune system. While there is no cure or direct herbal preventative for the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacteria, the most actionable steps involve feeding loose custom mineral mixes, providing specific vitamins, and incorporating natural immune-boosting herbs.
Key Minerals
Proper mineral balance is critical for immune function and fighting off bacterial infections like CL.
Zinc & Copper: Essential for maintaining healthy, intact skin and mucous membranes, which are the primary barriers to CL bacteria. Warning: Sheep are highly susceptible to copper toxicity, so always use a formulated, species-specific sheep mineral.
Selenium: Deficient in many soils and forages; supplemental selenium is directly linked to enhanced disease-fighting abilities.
Seaweed Meal: A natural supplement that provides over 60 trace elements—including iodine, cobalt, and magnesium—to balance the rumen and support overall herd immunity.
Key Vitamins
Vitamins act as co-factors for immune cell production and tissue repair.
Vitamin E: Works synergistically with Selenium to support immune system health.
Vitamin A: Critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Vitamin D: Promotes bone health and is vital for overall vitality, particularly during the winter months.
Natural Immune-Boosting Herbs
Herbal nutraceuticals have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help stabilize cortisol levels and reduce stress, thereby preventing the suppression of the immune system.
Garlic: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic licks or dried garlic fed free-choice can naturally boost immune cells and reduce systemic inflammation.
Thyme: Thyme extracts contain active compounds that improve antioxidant status and enhance serum immunity.
Adaptogenic Herbs: Herbs like Ashwagandha and Turmeric are frequently used in ethnoveterinary practices to improve an animal’s resilience to environmental stressors and disease susceptibility.
Managing and Preventing CL
To eliminate CL from your herd, relying solely on supplements is not enough; rigorous herd management is required:
Cull or Isolate: Immediately isolate infected animals to prevent the pus from rupturing and contaminating the environment.
Vaccination: Consult your veterinarian about the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacterin vaccine.
Consult Experts: Read the Maryland Small Ruminant Page or the OSU Small Ruminant Team guidelines for more details on formulating mineral-dense diets for your animals
A friend says she used Colloidal Silver to treat and cure CLA. I have no proof of this, but I’ll be sure to give it a try. She said she cuts the abscess open, drains it, cleans and washes it out with Colloidal Silver. Rinse and repeat.
She like me, believes that most anything can be cured with proper nutrient.
While there is no natural cure to fully eliminate the bacteria from an animal’s system, several organic and ethnoveterinary methods can help manage symptoms, boost the immune system, and treat the resulting abscesses. Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic, contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, which is notoriously resistant to treatment because it hides inside thick-walled abscesses.
Natural Topical TreatmentsThese methods focus on treating active external lesions to prevent environmental contamination:
Ozonated Olive Oil & Hydrogen Peroxide: Research has shown that injecting ozonated olive oil or 0.5% hydrogen peroxide into intact abscesses can cause them to shrink and sterilize the internal pyogenic membrane.
Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs): Ointments based on silver nanoparticles mixed with natural waxes and oils have shown faster wound healing results compared to traditional iodine treatments.
Essential Oils: Certain essential oil components are being researched for their ability to penetrate the thick walls of CL abscesses due to their lipophilic nature.
Iodine Tincture: While not strictly “organic,” iodine is a natural mineral spray often used on shearing wounds to prevent initial infection.
Natural Immunity Boosters
Strengthening the animal’s immune response can help it better manage chronic infection and reduce the frequency of abscess outbreaks.
Herbal Supplements:
Garlic (Allium sativum): Known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immune-enhancing properties.
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Used in ethnoveterinary medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Often used in pastes or as a dietary supplement for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): Helps the body adapt to stress and supports overall immune function.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Blends containing medicinal mushrooms are often used as natural immune support for goats and sheep.
Holistic Management PracticesThe most effective “natural” way to handle CL is through strict management to prevent spread.
Isolation: Move any animal with a suspected abscess to a separate pen immediately until the wound has completely healed and scabbed over.
Controlled Drainage: If you choose to lance an abscess, do so over a hard, disinfectable surface like concrete. Collect all pus in a disposable container and burn any contaminated bedding or rags.
Environmental Hygiene: The bacteria can survive in soil for up to 8 months. Resting pastures and disinfecting shared equipment like shears and feeders is critical