Clostridial Infections in Cattle: What Producers Need to Know Right Now

By Jennie Eilerts

Published: March 31, 2025

You may have heard the buzz this spring surrounding the rise in clostridial infections—and for good reason. With reported cases climbing, producers are facing increased risk and fewer options for protection. Add in the recent changes to over-the-counter antibiotic access, and it’s easy to see why this season feels like a perfect storm.

So what exactly is clostridium, and what can you do to help protect your herd?

A Quick Look at Clostridium

Clostridium is a group of bacteria that can cause serious, often fatal, infections in cattle—especially in young calves. These infections typically target the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in rapid-onset symptoms that escalate quickly.

The most common culprit is Clostridium perfringens, with types C and D being the most frequently seen in cattle. Both can cause:

Severe diarrhea
Rapid dehydration
Sudden decline in overall condition

It’s often the dehydration, not the bacteria itself, that leads to death—particularly in calves, whose systems can’t rebound as quickly.

There’s also the lesser-known but more deadly type B, which can lead to sudden death with little or no warning. Because this strain progresses so quickly and quietly, survival rates are extremely low.

Why Clostridial Risk is Rising

A few key factors are making clostridial outbreaks harder to manage this year:

New regulations now require a veterinary prescription for many antibiotics that were once available over the counter
Weather changes, stress, and shifts in feeding programs can all increase vulnerability to clostridial bacteria

When antibiotic treatment becomes harder to access, proactive management becomes even more important.

What Producers Can Do

While prevention may be more challenging this year with the unusual weather patterns, there are still ways to support your herd’s natural defenses:

Be Proactive

Monitor calves closely for signs of diarrhea or rapid dehydration and treat as soon as possible to improve outcomes.
Prioritize Vaccination Timing

Vaccinations are one of your strongest defenses against coccidial infections. Consult with your herd veterinarian to establish an effective vaccination schedule.
Provide Quality Nutritional Support

Make sure animals are receiving adequate hydration and nutrition to help maintain rumen balance.
Neutralize Rumen Acid

Use products that help stabilize the rumen and lower digestive stress—especially during times of transition or dietary change.
Keep Calving Areas Clean

Maintain clean calving areas and reduce exposure to pathogens wherever possible.

Putting It Into Practice

Clostridial infections can strike fast, and the increased regulatory hurdles makes it more important than ever to stay proactive.

Keep close communication with your vet, support calf health from the inside out, and take every step you can to keep stress and digestive disruptions to a minimum.

Want to learn more about rumen support and gut-focused immunity? Visit Pro Earth Animal Health for science-backed, natural solutions.

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