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Feline botulism: two decades and two reports
Ísis Assis Braga1,2, Nicoly Ferreira de Urzedo3, Guilherme Oliveira Maia3,4
1Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí (UFJ), Jataí, Goiás, Brazil. isisbraga@ufj.edu.br.
Veterinary Research Communications
|August 9, 2025
Summary
A rare outbreak of type C botulism affected domestic cats in Brazil, causing severe neurological signs and fatalities. The toxin was detected in some cats, highlighting the need to consider botulism in feline neurological cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Toxicology
- Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Background:
- Botulism is a rare paralytic illness caused by botulinum toxin.
- The last reported natural case of type C botulism in cats was two decades ago.
- This study addresses a recent outbreak in Brazil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an outbreak of type C botulism in domestic cats.
- To investigate the clinical, epidemiological, and diagnostic findings.
- To emphasize the importance of diagnosing feline botulism.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation of 21 cats with flaccid tetraparesis.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination.
- Detection of botulinum toxin type C via mouse bioassay in feces, liver, and intestinal contents.
- Exclusion of other infectious agents (FeLV, Coronavirus, Toxoplasma, Neospora) and parasites.
Main Results:
- Cats presented with hypotonia, hypophonia, and paralysis.
- Eight cats died from cardiorespiratory arrest.
- Botulinum toxin type C was confirmed in 5 cats.
- No significant gross or microscopic lesions were observed.
- The source of intoxication remained unidentified despite epidemiological links to diet and behavior.
Conclusions:
- This study documents a significant outbreak of feline botulism.
- Botulism should be considered in cats with acute flaccid paralysis.
- Further investigation is needed to identify the source of type C botulism in feline outbreaks.
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