What disease does Clostridium tetani cause in sheep when not managed properly?

Clostridium tetani is the bacterium responsible for causing tetanus, particularly in unvaccinated or improperly managed sheep. Tetanus is a serious and potentially fatal neurological disorder caused by the toxin produced by the bacteria. The toxin affects the nervous system, leading to severe muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty in movement, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

In sheep, proper management and vaccination against Clostridium tetani are crucial to prevent the disease. When sheep are subjected to stress or injury, such as during lambing or from wounds, the risk of tetanus increases if appropriate vaccinations and treatments are not implemented. The condition is preventable through vaccination and proper management practices, highlighting the importance of recognizing the disease and its causes in livestock care.

The other choices refer to different diseases caused by various pathogens but are not related to the effects of Clostridium tetani. For instance, brucellosis is a bacterial infection that affects reproductive health, silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, and clostridial enteritis is associated with other strains of Clostridium that affect the intestines.