Blackleg is caused by activation of latent Clostridium chauvoei spores resting within macrophages located in muscle tissue. Blackleg has been reported from Denmark, but its current prevalence is unknown. Here a case of blackleg in a five-month-old heifer is presented in order to increase awareness of this disease. In July 2018, four out of 11 heifers grazing on moist lowland died suddenly.
A fifth heifer that was found depressed was referred to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Copenhagen, but was euthanized shortly after arrival. Necropsy revealed widespread necrosis of muscles with emphysema, cellulitis and fibrinous pericarditis. C. chauvoei was isolated by culture from muscle tissue and the spleen. Danish veterinarians should be aware of blackleg and other clostridial infections when sudden death occurs in cattle, especially among cattle grazing areas with moist soil.