Caseous lymphadenitis is a bacterial infection of goats, caused by Corynobacterium pseudo tuberculosis. It is frequently referred as "abscesses" because swelling, rupture, and drainage of pus from affected lymph nodes is how it is expressed.

Transmission is by goat-to-goat contact through wounds, abraded or even unbroken skin, or by indirect means via brushes, clippers, or contaminated premises. Pus from ruptured abscesses can contaminate the environment, such as feed, fence posts, feeders, or other structures, which can in turn infect other goats.

Clinical signs include enlargement of one or more of the superficial lymph nodes. The most common ones in goats involved are lymph nodes of the parotid followed by prescapular. The abscesses commonly rupture and a thick, green pus is discharged. Internal abscesses, especially in the lungs, may develop and lead to respiratory disease.

Diagnosis of the condition is based on the presence of a firm to slightly fluctuant subcutaneous swelling in the anatomic location of a lymph node. In a herd with a history of caseous lymphadenitis, the clinical findings alone are considered presumptive evidence. A definitive diagnosis can be made by isolation and identification of the organism. Some serological tests have been developed and are used in the diagnosis and screening of goats for the disease.

Treatment with repeated injection of antibiotics does not resolve or eliminate the problem. The infected animal should be separated and isolated. Ripened abscesses can be lanced and flushed with diluted disinfectants. People performing this procedure should wear gloves, because the infection is potentially enzootic. The pus should be collected and destroyed and the goat should be isolated until the lesion is completely healed, typically 20 to 30 days later.

Eradication from a herd is difficult. The owners must be willing to cull animals with multiple abscesses and stop purchasing animals from infected herds. Control can be accomplished in part by removing clinically infected animals from the herd and avoiding contamination of the environment. A vaccine is available and should be considered as a last resort. The vaccine causes severe reaction in infected animals and interferes with serologic testing.