Botulism in Cattle - A Review

摘要

Botulinum toxins are considered the most lethal toxic substances known to man. Eight botulinum toxins are produced by different strains of Clostridium botulinum, C. baratii and C. butyricum. Cattle are primarily affected by botulinum toxins B, C and D. Although these botulinum toxins can be found worldwide, certain botulinum toxins have predominance in certain geographical regions. Poisoned cattle often show muscle weakness, constipation, colic, ataxia, muscle fascicula-tion, decreased tongue tone and dirty noses. Currently no treatments other than supportive care are available for affected cattle.