Abscesses on sheep and goats

Is It Always Caseous Lymphadenitis? Understanding Abscesses in Sheep and Goats

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the Hidden Culprits Behind Abscesses in Small Ruminants and How to Protect Your Livestock"

For sheep and goat farmers, maintaining healthy livestock is crucial for productivity. In Brazil, the agriculture involving sheep and goats is a crucial aspect to the economy. Yet, ensuring their well-being presents numerous challenges, with infectious diseases being a significant concern. Among these, caseous lymphadenitis (LC) is often the first suspect when abscesses appear, but is it always the culprit?

Caseous lymphadenitis, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is well known for causing abscesses in sheep and goats. These lesions can lead to decreased productivity and economic losses. However, it's essential to recognize that not all abscesses are due to this single cause. Other bacteria can also be responsible, complicating diagnosis and management strategies.

This article delves into a study conducted in Bahia, Brazil, examining the prevalence and distribution of abscesses in sheep and goats. The research highlights the various bacteria responsible for these infections, challenging the assumption that Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the only cause. By understanding the diverse range of pathogens involved, farmers and veterinarians can better address and prevent abscesses in small ruminants.

What Else Causes Abscesses in Sheep and Goats?

While Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a primary concern, several other bacteria can lead to abscess formation in sheep and goats. These include common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus species, as well as Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Trueperella pyogenes. Each of these organisms has unique characteristics and can contribute to abscesses under different circumstances.

The original study examined 153 abscess samples from a slaughter plant in Bahia, Brazil, and found that Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was present in only 33.33% of the samples. A significant portion of the remaining abscesses were caused by other bacteria. Here’s a breakdown of the prevalence of each:

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis: 33.33%
Escherichia coli: 19.61%
Proteus mirabilis: 9.80%
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: 7.19%
Trueperella pyogenes: 5.22%
Streptococcus spp.: 5.22%
Staphylococcus aureus: 4.57%

This diversity underscores the need for accurate diagnosis to implement effective control measures. Relying solely on the assumption of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis can lead to inadequate treatment and continued spread of infection. It's also helpful to look at where the issues arise, in the original study, in sheep, abscesses were mostly found in the liver (21.2%) and prescapular lymph nodes (20.3%). Goats often had them in the retropharyngeal (25%) and prescapular lymph nodes (25%).

Protecting Your Herd: What Can You Do?

Accurately determining the cause of abscesses in sheep and goats is crucial for applying appropriate sanitary control and prophylaxis methods in herds. This requires farmers and veterinarians to consider the possibility of infections from various etiological agents, not just Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. By understanding the broader range of potential pathogens, targeted prevention and treatment strategies can be implemented to safeguard the health and productivity of small ruminant livestock.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5630, Alternate LINK

Title: Nem Todo Abscesso Em Pequenos Ruminantes É Causado Por Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Reanne M.M. Silva, Robson B. Cerqueira, Vinicius P. Vieira, Jorge R.L. Ribas, Karla A. Nascimento, Luciano A. Pimentel, Pedro Miguel O. Pedroso, Juliana T.S.A. Macêdo

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) and why is it a concern for sheep and goat farmers?

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) is a bacterial infection caused by *Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis*. It is a significant concern because it leads to the formation of abscesses in sheep and goats, which can decrease productivity and cause economic losses for farmers. The infection often leads to lesions, impacting the overall health and profitability of small ruminant operations, making it a critical issue in regions like Brazil where sheep and goat farming is economically important.

Besides Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, what other bacteria can cause abscesses in sheep and goats?

Several other bacteria can cause abscesses in sheep and goats. These include *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Escherichia coli*, *Streptococcus* species, *Proteus mirabilis*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, and *Trueperella pyogenes*. Each of these bacteria has unique characteristics, and their presence complicates the diagnosis and management of abscesses, emphasizing the need for accurate identification of the specific pathogen involved.

What were the findings regarding the prevalence of different bacteria causing abscesses in the study from Bahia, Brazil?

The study revealed that *Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis* was present in only 33.33% of the abscess samples. Other bacteria were also found to be significant contributors. *Escherichia coli* was present in 19.61%, *Proteus mirabilis* in 9.80%, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* in 7.19%, *Trueperella pyogenes* and *Streptococcus* spp. in 5.22% each, and *Staphylococcus aureus* in 4.57%. These results highlight that CL is not always the primary cause of abscesses and that a diverse range of pathogens can be responsible.

Why is it important to accurately diagnose the cause of abscesses in sheep and goats?

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for implementing appropriate sanitary control and prophylaxis methods. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and the continued spread of infection. If farmers and veterinarians assume *Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis* is the only cause, they might overlook other pathogens. This can lead to using wrong treatment methods, failure to control the spread, and continued losses. Accurate diagnosis enables targeted prevention and treatment strategies to safeguard the health and productivity of small ruminant livestock.

Where are abscesses commonly found in sheep and goats, and how does this vary?

In the study, abscesses in sheep were most often found in the liver (21.2%) and prescapular lymph nodes (20.3%). In goats, the retropharyngeal (25%) and prescapular lymph nodes (25%) were the most affected locations. This difference suggests that the anatomical location of abscesses can provide clues about the specific pathogens involved. The location informs how the diseases are spread through the animal's body, how to best treat them, and how to prevent further spread to other animals.