Blackleg (disease)

"Blackleg" is also a plant disease caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum (= Erwinia carotovora).

Blackleg, black quarter, quarter evil, or quarter ill (Latin:gangraena emphysematosa) is an infectious bacterial disease most commonly caused by Clostridium chauvoei, a Gram-positive bacterial species. It is seen in livestock all over the world, usually affecting cattle, sheep, and goats. It has been seen occasionally in farmed bison and deer. The acute nature of the disease makes successful treatment difficult, but an effective vaccine is available to provide animals with protective immunity.