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==Description==

==Description==

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the neurotoxin of the gram-positive bacterium ''Clostridium tetani''.  

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the neurotoxin of the gram-positive bacterium ''Clostridium tetani''. It is a highly fatal disease resulting in spastic paralysis in affected animals. ''Clostridium tetani'' causes infection via wound contamination and deposition of bacterial spores in tissue under anaerobic conditions. Cuts, deep puncture wounds, surgical sites may all provide sites of entry for infective spores. ''C. tetani''produces tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin that is transferred to distant sites via the vascular system. This causes inhibition of the release of GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain. This causes increased excitation of the brainstem and motor neurons, leading to unopposed muscle contraction.

 

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Foals may also be affected via infection through the umbilicus.  

All domestic species may be affected but foals may be particularly susceptible due to infection through the umbilicus.