Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thirteen cases of botulism in horses fed big bale silage.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1984
- Authors:
- Ricketts, S W et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a troubling situation in southeast England, an outbreak of botulism, a serious illness caused by a toxin, affected four horses and nine ponies. Most of these animals either died or had to be put down to prevent suffering. The horses showed signs of weakness in their throat and limbs, which led to the diagnosis of botulism, and tests confirmed the presence of the toxin in one horse's blood. All the affected animals had been fed big bale silage, and it was found that the way this silage was made may not have prevented the growth of the bacteria that produces the toxin. Unfortunately, the treatment did not save most of the animals involved.
Abstract
An outbreak of pharyngeal and limb paresis involving four horses and nine ponies in the south east of England is described. Nine of the animals died or were destroyed on humane grounds. The clinical features suggested a diagnosis of botulism and mouse innoculation tests confirmed the presence of type B toxin in the serum of one case. All animals were fed big bale silage. It is describe how, in plastic wrapped silage manufacture, conditions of fermentation may be inadequate to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulism. Examination of a sample of silage fed to the affected horses suggested that this was probably the source of the toxin.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6394315/