High Tetanus Toxin-Producing Clostridium tetani Isolated from Post-Castration Induration Site in a Calf: A Case Report

Tetanus is a wound-associated infectious disease caused by the anaerobic spore-forming bacterium Clostridium tetani. In Japan, tetanus in cattle, buffalo, deer, and horses is designated as a notifiable infectious disease under the Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control Act. This study reports a case of tetanus in a calf following castration, with isolation and characterization of a high toxin-producing strain. This case emphasizes the importance of tetanus prevention through vaccination and proper surgical techniques in cattle. The identification of high toxin-producing C. tetani strains highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures in veterinary practice.