Cheesy gland is a chronic disease of sheep, characterised by the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes and caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Infection enters the flock by a carrier animal with shearing being the primary risk factor for spreading the disease.
- Cheesy gland is a highly contagious bacteria that is spread via respiratory exhalation or transmission of ruptured fluids.
- It is a hidden disease affecting the major internal body organs and both the internal and external lymph nodes in sheep.
- The bacteria release a toxin, which damages the lymph node/organ and causes an abscess to form.
- Over time, the pus-filled abscess reorganises to form the characteristic Caseous abscess or “Cheesy Gland”.
- Cheesy gland causes losses to the sheep industry through carcass condemnations and trimmings, and the loss of wool production.
- Control relies on the elimination of the source of infection by culling all sheep with enlarged lymph nodes, preferably at shearing when palpation is easier.
- Using a vaccine with cheesy gland protection such as Ultravac® 5+1 B12, Glanvac® or Eweguard® will reduce the number of sheep that develop abscesses.
