| Information sheets | | | Elsenburg infopaks | | | Animals, diseases: 5 |
Botulism
Afrikaans | Xhosa
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Botulism is common in South Africa. Cattle, sheep and goats are susceptible. Animals of any age could contract the disease, but those with higher nutritional requirements, like pregnant ewes and weaners, are more inclined to forage and they could therefore contract the disease easier. |
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Decaying carcass material is an excellent growth medium for
Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In certain situations there is an acute danger of botulism, for instance where a cat had decayed in a haystack, where rats had been exterminated
in cultivated land or where the carcass of a baboon had been found in a reservoir. Carcasses of tortoises are also a common source of severe contagions of the bacteria. Chicken manure might be a very good source of protein for cattle, but it also carries the risk of botulism, because dead chickens often land in the chicken manure.
Phosphate deficiencies in certain areas cause pica, which is a hunger for peculiar substances, resulting in cattle eating old bones in the veld, often with fatal consequences. |
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As the disease progresses, the animal develops a rigid and awkward gait, and shortly afterwards it will lie down. Myasthenia sets in first and then total paralysis develops. A limp tail without any tonus and a jaw that can be opened easily are typical symptoms. When the tongue is pulled out, it often remains hanging outside the mouth. Because the gullet is affected, the animal chokes easily when medication is administered. The contents of the rumen can be tested for the toxin to confirm the condition. |
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In the long run the animal cannot get up as a result of the paralysis in the
hind legs and eventually dies. Mortality as a result of botulism is high. Treatment of the animals with antiserum is very expensive and not always successful.
Prevention through regular vaccination with the cheap botulism vaccination is one of the most important actions that cattle farmers should take annually. |
MP van Aardt
ELSENBURG / SPRINGBOK veterinary
services
