BOTULISM (LIMBERNECK)

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Causative Agent(s)

Clostridium botulinum,  a  Gram positive,  spore-forming anaerobic  bacteria. Outbreaks in poultry are predominantly caused by Type C toxin (A and E less common).

Transmitted when birds eat carcasses/maggots, or other contaminated feed. Toxin is likely to be produced in shallow, warm, stagnant bodies of water containing considerable organic matter. Ingested preformed toxin is absorbed into the blood, and binds to nerve terminals.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Weak, anorexic, recumbent (flaccid muscle paralysis). Signs progress cranially from the legs. Death is due to cardiac and respiratory arrest. Waterfowl can drown due to flaccid neck. Diarrhoea may occur in broiler chickens.

Diagnostic Considerations

Identify toxin in serum, liver, or crop/gastrointestinal washes. Mouse inoculation with serum from affected birds can identify the pathogen.

Management and Treatment

Eliminate possible source of infection. Treatment with antitoxin is effective, but it is often not cost effective.

Antibiotics including bacitracin (100 g/ton in feed), streptomycin (1g/L in water), or chlortetracycline at 60 mg/kg bodyweight in drinking water for 3-5 days.