Caseous lymphadenitis, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is one of the most important diseases of sheep and goats, causing considerable losses for herd owners. Due to the chronic and generally subclinical nature of infection, control is difficult and prevalence in animals and herds is high. This review describes the principal characteristics of C. pseudotuberculosis, including pathogenesis, epidemiology and principal manifestations of caseous lymphadenitis, as well as management practices, diagnostic tests and vaccination as disease control tools.