Botulism in cattle

A review

Authors

  • Robert B. Moeller California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Tulare, CA 93274
  • Birgit Puschner California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Davis, CA 95616

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol41no1p54-58

Keywords:

cattle, botulinum toxin, botulism, review, bacterial diseases, bacterial toxins, clinical aspects, reviews

Abstract

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 fasciculation, decreased tongue tone and dirty noses. Currently no treatments other than supportive care are available for affected cattle.

Cover image of Volume 41, No. 1 of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of a calf standing behind a cow, peeking out from underneath her tail. Cattle are a burnished copper-gold color, possibly Limousin.

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Published

2007-03-01

How to Cite

Moeller, R. B., & Puschner, B. (2007). Botulism in cattle: A review. The Bovine Practitioner, 41(1), 54–58. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol41no1p54-58

Issue

Vol. 41, No. 1 (2007 Spring)

Section

Articles