Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

A herd of cattle showed sudden deaths and necropsy revealed hemoglobinuria. What is the likely causative agent?

1. Bacillus anthracis

2. Clostridium chauvoei

3. Clostridium hemolyticum

4. Leptospira hardjo

The correct answer is: Clostridium hemolyticum

The identification of hemoglobinuria and sudden deaths in the cattle herd points towards a specific disease process. Clostridium hemolyticum is known to be associated with bacillary hemoglobinuria, a condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and subsequent release of hemoglobin into the urine, resulting in a reddish-brown coloration. This bacterium produces toxins that can lead to intravascular hemolysis, which presents as hemoglobinuria in cases of acute liver necrosis caused by the organism. The sudden nature of the deaths and the presence of hemoglobin in the urine align well with Clostridium hemolyticum's pathogenic effects. It's important to note that while other organisms listed can cause sudden deaths or other clinical signs, they do not typically present with hemoglobinuria as a prominent feature. For example, Bacillus anthracis is associated with anthrax, which presents with rapid death and different necropsy findings, while Clostridium chauvoei primarily leads to blackleg, which manifests with muscle lesions rather than hemoglobinuria. Leptospira hardjo primarily causes reproductive issues and does not present with hemoglobinuria commonly. In summary, the clinical signs of sudden death paired with necropsy findings of hemoglobin