Botulism

Botulism is a disease characterized by progressive, flaccid paralysis resulting from Clostridium botulinum toxin production and absorption that can be rapidly fatal if not aggressively treated from the first signs of intoxication.

Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium that is found ubiquitously in soil. There are four distinct groups of C. botulinum (groups I-IV), and eight different toxins (A, B, C [C1, C2], D, E, F, and G). Only types A, B, and C have been reported in horses in the US. Type A is prevalent in the soil in the western US. Type B spores are typically found in the soil east of the Mississippi River, particularly in the Northeast and Appalachian regions (Mid-Atlantic states and Kentucky). Type C is found in carrion and sporadically found throughout the US. Clinically, Type B is the most reported intoxication (responsible for greater than 85% of cases).

Botulism is a rapidly progressive neurologic disease with a high mortality rate in untreated animals. Early administration of botulism antitoxin can substantially improve prognosis.