IZS SARDEGNA REPOSITORY
Published July 27, 2023 | Version v1
Journal Open

Botulism in Cattle: A Case Report of an Outbreak in Sardinia (Italy)

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna
  • 2. S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Sardinia, Via Dell'Acquedotto Romano, 09030 Elmas-Cagliari, Italy
  • 3. ATS Sardegna, ASSL n°7 Sulcis, 09013 Carbonia, Italy
  • 4. Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy

Description

Simple Summary

Botulism is a disease that can affect humans as well as many animals. Most cases of botulism in farm animals are foodborne. This report describes the clinical course and diagnosis of a botulism outbreak in cattle that was most likely derived from foods. We emphasize the importance of the early sampling of food and biological matrixes in cases of suspected botulism to arrive at a quick diagnosis.

Abstract

Clostridium botulinum is the main causative agent of botulism in humans and animals. The ingestion of the botulinum neurotoxin, usually types C and D, has been shown to produce disease (neurological symptoms) in most botulism cases in cattle. We report an outbreak in Southern Sardinia that involved a livestock farm with 120 animals, 39 of which died. The aim of this report is to describe the course of this outbreak and the progression of symptoms up to the death of some animals; we also describe the therapeutic approach applied in this case and the analytical techniques used to diagnose the disease. Finally, we emphasize the importance of promptly proceeding with the sampling of several matrixes when a suspicion of botulism arises.

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