Many species of mammals and birds, as well as some fish, can be affected by botulism. Clinical disease is seen most often in wildfowl, poultry, mink, cattle, sheep, horses and some species of fish. Dogs, cats and pigs are resistant; botulism is seen occasionally in dogs and pigs but has not been reported from cats.
Which animal produces botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin 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.
Where can botulinum toxin be found?
The botulinum toxin has been found in a variety of foods, including low-acid preserved vegetables, such as green beans, spinach, mushrooms, and beets; fish, including canned tuna, fermented, salted and smoked fish; and meat products, such as ham and sausage.
Which animal is resistant to botulism?
Dogs, cats, and pigs are comparatively resistant to all types of botulinum toxin when challenged orally; however, individual case reports mention botulism in dogs.
What is botulism in animals?
Botulism is a rapidly fatal motor paralysis caused by ingestion or in vivo production of the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum types A–G. The spore-forming anaerobic organism proliferates in decomposing animal tissue and sometimes in plant material.
