Tetanus

Tetanus is a fatal bacterial infection. The bacteria gains entry to the body through wounds and releases a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions over the entire body. Fortunately there is a very effective vaccine that can protect all animals and humans from tetanus.

• Cause

  The bacterium, Clostridium tetani

• Species affected

  All species including humans. Farm animals and horses are particularly

  susceptible but cats and dogs less so.

• What it looks like (Clinical signs)

  Early signs include irritability, drooling, vocalisation from pain, distress. Signs progress to increasing rigidity with extension of the legs, back, neck, tail, ears, eventually leading to recumbency and death. This is

  a very painful disease.

• Diagnosis

  Clinical signs and history or injury and lack of vaccination. Response to treatment.

• Treatment

  If treated early, recovery might occur. High doses of penicillin antibiotics, tetanus anti-toxin (eg lambvax, equine tetanus antitoxin TAT), muscle relaxants and fluids will be used.

  Once the disease has progressed, humane euthanasia is required.

• How it spreads

  The bacteria is present in gut, in faeces and in the soil. Disease occurs when it gains entry through the skin into muscle and other tissues through contamination of wounds

• Risk factors

  Injury. Particularly puncture wounds and wounds that create an low oxygen environment for the bacteria to grow and produce toxins.

  Horses - Puncture wounds, hoof injuries.

  Sheep, Goats, Cattle- Ear-tagging and rubber ring castration. Puncture wounds

  People - Puncture wounds, exposure to soil and manure. Lapsed vaccination

• Prevention

  Vaccination is highly effective. A sensitiser programme is required. If this is done properly, lifelong immunity may be induced. In valuable animals periodic boosters may be beneficial.

  Horses: If mares are vaccinated prior to foaling and rear their own foals, the foal will be protected for up to 6 months. The protection from the mare will interfere with the foals response to immunisation for up to 6 months. Therefore, foals should recieve a dose of vaccine at 6 months then at 7 months and at 12 months. Following this boosters every 3 to 5 years will be sufficient for ongoing immunity.

• References and further reading

  Jansen et al (1979) The immune response of horses to tetanus toxoid. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 46(4) 211-216

  Wilson et al (2001) Passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin isotype antibodies against tetanus and and influenza and their effect on the response of foals to vaccination. Equine Veterinary Journal 33(7), 644-650

  Zoetis Vaccination Programme for horses https://www.zoetis.co.nz/tools/equine-vaccination-guidelines/assets/pdf/guidelines.pdf

What can I do - Checklist

Choose from the following options to put into your animal health programme

[] Check vaccination history and update if required. Book in horses for booster vaccinations in advance.

[] Schedule vaccination of your stock. Order vaccine and store appropriately.

[] Use hygenic practices when using needles, ear-tagging and castrating - Get everything organised in advance including iodine and/or alcohol cleaning solution.

[] Clean wounds, have chlorhexidine and clean swabs available to clean wounds straight away

[] Safety check paddocks and yards and remove objects that may cause injury