Botulism

 BOTULISM


(Limber neck, Lion disease)


It is a rapidly fatal, motor paralysis caused by clostridial toxin and is characterized by) flaccid paralysis


Aetiology


The disease is caused by the toxins of C. botulinum type A, B, C, D and E. The spores of this organism are extremely resistant. The toxins remain effective for long periods.


Epidemiology


Botulism has been recorded from many countries of the world and in all the specia of domestic animals including domestic birds and wild birds. Human beings are also affected. It is most common in birds. Cattle, sheep and horses are susceptible, but pigs, dogs and cats appear to be resistant. Source of infection in animals is almost always carrion,

Pathogenesis


After ingestion, the toxins reach into the intestine and then blood. The toxin blocks! release of acetylcholine at the myoneural junction), which leads to motor paralysis. Flaccid paralysis develops and the animals die due to asphyxia. No gross or histopathological lesions are produced/


Clinical findings


In cattle and horses the incubation period is 3-17 days. Paralysis of the hind limbs occurs first and then it spreads towards the neck. Initially convulsions of entire limb can occur. Drooling of saliva, hanging of tongue from the mouth, incoordination, stumbling and knuckling are recorded and finally the animal dies due to respiratory paralysis. In sheep signs similar to cattle are seen but the flaccid paralysis is recorded at the final stages of disease.


(In birds, clinical signs can be noticed within few hours to 1 or 2 days after the ingestion. Drowsiness, weakness and impairment of flying or walking are the initial signs. Later on paralysis of limbs, neck and wings occurs. The paralysis of neck is characterized by drooping of the neck and hence the term "limber neck' is given) The death of the birds is due to respiratory distress and in water birds it is due to drowning. Gross or histological lesions are absent in botulism


Diagnosis


It can be done by clinical signs and analysing the carrion and feed for toxins. Culturing of feed can also be done. Mouse protection test and modified CFT are also used. Animal inoculation test is performed by injecting the suspected material (serum, intestinal content or putrefied material) intra-peritoneally to mice. Paralysis and death of the mice occur within 1-2 days in positive cases.


Treatment


Treatment may not be useful as it is caused by the toxins liberated by clostridial organism. Purgatives may be given to remove the toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and CNS stimulants may be of some use.

Minerals or protein supplementation may help in reducing its incidence. Proper

disposal of carrion or carcasses, either by burning or burial is necessary. Proper disposal

of decaying vegetables and grasses and contaminated hay or silage is essential. Toxoids

may be used for vaccination

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