Botulism: Current problem in veterinary medicine

摘要

The study presents up-to-date information on the occurrence of botulism in animals. Clostridium botulinum and toxins produced by this microorganism have been characterized. Detailed data on the structure of botulinum toxins (BoNTs) and on their mechanism of action in causing botulism symptoms have been described. The study also describes botulism symptoms in selected animal species with particular emphasis on cattle and birds. In addition, it provides general information on the laboratory diagnosis of botulism and on difficulties in detecting C. botulinum and botulinum toxins in samples related to botulism in animals.