09/12/2021
Botulism = Mokokomalo
Botulism is a disease caused by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, ranging in type A-G. It affects many animal species in varying susceptibility including cattle, horses, poultry and of course, humans. Botulism results following oral ingestion of C.botulinum spores. Potential sources are spoilt silage/decaying vegetable matter e.g grass, hay, feed. Feed contaminated with decaying carcasses such chickens, rats, mice etc or feeding contaminated chicken manure to livestock are potential sources of intoxication. Cattle deficient in phosphorus will often display Pica (abnormal appetite) such ingestion of bones and chewing hides, such animals are at great risk of developing Botulism. Water contaminated with decaying organic matter is a potential risk factor.
Animals that ingest contaminated organic material also ingest the pre-formed spores. These are activated in the gut. Upon death of the animal the spores invade the muscle tissues and become potent sources of the disease to other livestock and humans. Botulism results when spores are ingested and germinate in the intestine release toxins which attack the nervous system resulting in classic signs of Botulism.
Clinical signs of Botulism
Flaccid paralysis (go swa ditokollo) resulting in inability to stand or walk.
Inability to chew or swallow resulting a floppy tongue and drooling saliva/ stomach contents from the mouth
Apparent blindness.
Death can be sudden, resulting from cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Diagnosis
Flaccid paralysis is suggestive of Botulism.
Detection of the toxin in blood, muscle tissue, stomach or intestinal fluid or feed. False negative results are possible.
Treatment is prohibitively expensive and often unrewarding. Prevention is crucial. Avoid feeding decaying feed eg spoilt silage. Store feed appropriately. Avoid contamination of water sources eg use protective cover over your reservoir. Feeding poultry manure is not recommended. The soils in Southern Africa are notoriously phosphorus deficient thus ensure livestock receive appropriate phosphorus supplementation such as Dicalcium phosphate licks. Immediately dispose of dead animals by deep burial.
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of protection against Botulism. Various vaccines are available on the market. Naive livestock are typically vaccinated twice, 4wks apart. Thereafter, annual booster vaccination are mandatory. The offspring derive protective antibodies for the first weeks/ months via colostrum. At the appropriate time they will then receive vaccines to protect them against Botulism and other diseases.
For further details and to purchase your livestock vaccines and remedies contact Vetplus Clinics ☎️73009013/ 3936294
