First case of type A botulism in zebu (Bos indicus)
Schocken-Iturrino, R.P.; Avila, F.A.; Berchielli, S.C.; Nader Filho, A.
Veterinary Record 126(9): 217-218
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 2180199 Document Number: 351604
In August 1986, more than 60 cattle on a ranch of 10 000 Nelore cattle in Goias State, Brazil died during an outbreak of botulism. The animals had been vaccinated with type C and D antibotulin vaccine. Affected animals had an uncoordinated gait, had difficulty in rising and became aggressive. They remained in sternal recumbency and did not eat or ruminate; faeces were dry. Some animals presented with paralysis of the tongue and salivation. PM examination revealed bone fragments and tendon remains in the rumen indicating that the animals had been eating skeletal remains. Type A botulin toxin was detected in serum samples from recumbent and dead animals but not in the small or large intestine. Type A Clostridium botulinum was isolated from bones and tendons removed from the rumen and cultured from large bowel contents and faeces. The isolated strain had a mouse lethal dose of 2 x 10superscript 3/ml of culture fluids.