[Bovine botulism: laboratory confirmation of clinical diagnosis in 1986-1989]

Five hundred and seventeen specimens relating to a total of 235 clinical cases of bovine botulism occurring over period of four years (1986-1989) were studied. These samples came from the States of S. Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Bahia, Pará, Maranhão, Distrito Federal and Roraima. Laboratorial tests were performed on these samples with a view to toxin detection. Toxin types C and D were detected being found in the liver and in gastric and intestinal contents. The small number of confirmed cases led to the supposition of the participation of other diseases in these deaths reported, even if false negative cases are taken into account.