Etiologic Agent | Blackleg

Clostridium chauvoei is the etiologic agent of blackleg.

The bacteria is a Gram-positive, anaerobic rod-shaped bacillus most commonly found in the soil and intestinal tract of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. The bacteria can exist in a vegetative state or as a spore.

The spore or dormant form of the cell exists under conditions where the vegetative state cannot. When the vegetative cells grow in high numbers, the bacteria produce  toxins.

Under ideal conditions, the bacteria form spores which allow the bacteria to survive in  dormant state until exposed to conditions that can support their growth.