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Suspected botulism in three intensively managed Australian cattle herds
K F Trueman1, R E Bock, R J Thomas
1Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Research Institute, Yeerongpilly, Australia.
The Veterinary Record
|May 2, 1992
Summary
Investigated paralytic disease outbreaks in Queensland cattle. Despite clinical signs suggesting botulism, laboratory tests and feeding trials failed to confirm the diagnosis, leaving the cause undetermined.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Investigated severe paralytic disease outbreaks in cattle in southeastern Queensland during 1988.
- Observed high mortality rates on three affected farms, with losses ranging from 8% to 40%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of the paralytic disease outbreaks in cattle.
- To confirm or rule out suspected botulism as the diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Clinical sign assessment and post-mortem examinations.
- Laboratory testing for botulinum toxin.
- Feeding trials with affected cattle rations and suspect ingredients.
Main Results:
- High cattle mortality rates were recorded across three farms.
- Clinical presentation and lack of significant pathology initially suggested botulism.
- Laboratory tests for botulinum toxin were negative.
- Feeding trials did not confirm botulism or identify other causative agents.
Conclusions:
- Botulism was suspected but could not be confirmed through laboratory diagnostics or feeding trials.
- The etiology of the paralytic disease outbreaks in these cattle remains undetermined.
- Further investigation is warranted to identify the cause of these significant livestock losses.