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The most likely primary disease appears to be haemolytic
septicaemia, caused by an opportunistic infection with the
bacterium Pasteurella multocida serotype B, which is naturally
found as a latent infection in the upper respiratory tract of saiga
antelope and other mammals. Another opportunistic super-infection
with the bacteria Clostridium perfringens was also identified in
some cases (perhaps half) and this infection results in the release
of massive amounts of lethal toxins into the intestine, which are
absorbed into the bloodstream and contribute to a rapid death.
However, it is not clear what triggered these bacteria suddenly to
become virulent.