Animals That Can Have Botulism

Botulism is a debilitating condition caused by a neurotoxin that is produced mainly by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The bacterial infection leads to a build up of the toxin over time, resulting in the debilitating condition known as botulism. Botulism can affect many types of animals and can potentially cause harm to humans. Several types of botulism toxins have been identified by scientists, ranging from type A through G. Types A, B, E and F are the ones that can cause illness in humans. These strains can be carried by several animals that humans regularly associate with.

Horses

• Horses are known to carry type A, B and C botulism. The main source of botulism in horses tends to be from hay that has been insufficiently dried and has molded. The mold conditions, which are anaerobic, can produce botulism. Anaerobic means without air. Anaerobic conditions where botulism grows include the gut and stomach of animals and the gills of fish.

  When the horse eats the infected hay, the botulism is passed into the gut, which is the perfect breeding ground for the botulism-producing bacteria. Horses suffering from botulism will show signs that include muscle tremors; general weakness, including the inability to stand; and loss of tongue control, causing it to hang from their mouths. Horses that are not treated in time can die from botulism.

  Other ways in which horses can be infected with botulism include infection of an open wound or ingestion of water contaminated with the botulism bacteria.

Minks and Foxes

• Type A and E botulism are sometimes found in minks. Minks are raised for their fur by mink farmers. Foxes, too, are raised for their fur and can also contract botulism. Botulism bacteria is typically found in the chopped raw meat or fish that is given as food to these animals.

  Type C botulism, a type not dangerous to humans, has also been found in farm-raised minks and foxes. In a case reported in Finland by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, the type C botulism toxin was from processed feed and not from raw food.

Birds

• Birds are known to carry both A, C and E botulism. These animals take in the botulism by either eating invertebrates containing the toxin, such as as fly larvae or chironomids, or by eating the toxin directly, in soil or water. Invertebrates such as maggots can carry the botulism bacteria without it affecting their own health. When another animal eats them, however, the botulism can cause detrimental affects on the vertebrate animal.

  Type C botulism is most often found in waterfowl, shorebirds, and colonial waterbirds, such as sea gulls, herons, egrets and pelicans. Type E botulism is found in gulls and loons. Signs that a bird may be infected by botulism include the inability to control its muscles and the inability to fly and hold up its head.

Botulism in Humans

• Botulism is most commonly passed through to humans when they eat improperly canned foods that can contain types A or B botulism toxin. Botulism has also been found in honey and processed meats. Humans are though to be immune to type C botulism, which is commonly found in cattle and sheep; however, a few cases of type C botulism have been reported in people and dogs.

  Botulism can be passed to humans from botulism-infected food animals when the meat is consumed without being thoroughly cooked. To avoid botulism, always cook food completely, because high heat destroys the botulism toxin in food.