The Veterinary Institute has detected the disease in piglets a few days old.

Histological examination showed necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, bleeding and plenty of bacilli.

Culturing the Clostridium perfringens isolated from the small intestine. Cl. perfringens beta-toxin was detected by examination at the Department of Bacteriology. Some piglets had bloody diarrhoea.

Intestinal fire is caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens type C, which produces a toxin (beta-toxin), which is highly detrimental to the intestinal mucosa. The bacteria are spore-forming and thus very difficult to remove from the environment. The disorder is rare in Norway, and it has recently been demonstrated in a few herds in Rogaland.

Further Reading

Find out more information on clostridial diseases by clicking here.