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Year 2001 - Volume 21, Number 2
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Botulism outbreaks in cattle in Brazil associated with contaminated water, 21(2):43-48
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ABSTRACT.- Dutra I.S., Dobereiner J., Rosa I.V., Souza L.A.A. & Nonato M. 2001. [Botulism outbreaks in cattle in Brazil associated with contaminated water] Surtos de botulismo em bovinos no Brasil associados à ingestão de água contaminada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 21(2):43-48. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Unesp-Campus de Araçatuba, Cx. Postai 533, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil.
Botulism in cattle occurs by ingestion of botulinum toxin C and/or D. Seven outbreaks of the poisoning in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo are reported. The clinical and pathological data, epidemiology and laboratory findings indicate a possible intake of the toxin through contaminated water. The average mortality rate was 20.1%, with 99.2% lethality and 31.62% morbidity. From about 9,000 cattle envolved in the outbreaks, 2,844 animals died, predominantly with a byperacute and acute clinical picture. The high morbidity rates were observed within a short period and affected all categories of cattle, with a clinical and pathological picture characterized by paresis and paralysis of the muscles of locomotion, swallowing and mastigation, with abscence of gross lesions at post-mortem examination. The outbreaks were related to the presence of decomposed animal carcasses or vegetal material in the drinking water. Botulinum toxins C and/or D were detected in water samples, víscera and blood serum of a considerable number of materials examined. |
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