Suspected botulism in cattle associated with poultry litter

Fisheries and Food Veterinary Investigation Centre, Preston.

Botulism was diagnosed clinically in grazing cattle on three closely sited dairy farms. The evidence suggests that the source of the toxin was poultry carcases containing types C and D Clostridium botulinum. These organism were also found in the alimentary tract of affected animals. Silage is suspected as having acted as a vehicle for the organisms and, or, toxins in cases which occurred later in housed cattle on one of the farms.

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