Proceedings

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is an important bacterial disease of goats of worldwide distribution. Clinical evidence of CLA in goats suggests that natural immunity to this disease is not as good as that seen in merino sheep. Preliminary studies is young goats using toxoided adjuvant-added vaccine prepared from the toxin of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis did not give satisfactory protection when compared to sheep. It is necessary for more detailed studies to be conducted on the pathogenesis and immunity of CLA in goats in order to maximize the possibility of a successful vaccine being developed. Other techniques for controlling CLA such as treatment and establishment of CLA free flocks are not likely to meet with success. Because of the recent success with vaccines for controlling CLA in sheep it seems this procedure also offers the best hope for goat breeders but more basic studies are required. Work along these lines in now being pursued by the authors