Botulism outbreaks occur when animals eat improperly stored or spoiled silage, decaying vegetation, poultry manure, or feed and water contaminated with bird or rodent carcasses. Outbreaks can also occur in large numbers of aquatic birds (Figure 1).
What causes botulism in animals?
Botulism is a rare condition that causes paralysis in dogs. Botulism is caused by ingesting the botulinum toxin, which is a substance produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Most cases of botulism in dogs are caused by eating dead animals or contaminated raw meat.
How does botulism spread in animals?
Animals become infected by ingestingvegetation that is contaminated with the botulinum toxin (such as decaying hay or grain) or through direct contact with soil that contains the bacteria.
How can animals prevent botulism?
Control and prevention demand use of high-quality feed; prevention of feed, water, and soil contamination; and vaccination. Botulism is a rapidly fatal motor paralysis caused by ingestion or in vivo production of the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum types A–G.
What causes botulism in cattle?
Botulism in cattle is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is commonly found in soil, water and marine sediments around the world, but it is also a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of many healthy horses, cattle and poultry.
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