Visceral botulism: new term proposed for new disease affecting cattle in Germany.

In the recent past, Germany has witnessed a strange, new disease affecting cattle. Affected cattle have been ill with symptoms like indigestion (constipation alternating with diarrhoea), non-infectious chronic laminitis, engorged veins, oedema, retracted abdomen, emaciation and apathy. Till date, a strong link was noted with most cases occurring during the peripartal period causing sudden, unexpected death.

In those affected animals which survive, a delayed growth and wasting in heifers, as well as decreasing milk yield was seen.

Until recently, no specific aetiological agent was identified with both clinical and standard laboratory examinations leaving practitioners puzzled. Bohnel et al at the Gessler Institute for tropical animal health have observed that bioassays for Clostridium botulinum have been positive. In affected animals, spores and toxins of Clostridium botulinum have been isolated along with the presence of free botulinum toxin in the contents of the lower sections of the intestine.

In other investigations, Bohnel and co-workers have noted that in two control farms without signs of the disease, the tests remained negative. According to the investigators, chronic absorption of low quantities of botulinum toxin may interfere with the neurological control of intestinal physiology. The investigators have named this condition as 'visceral botulism', and identified it as a distinct syndrome.

Reference for further reading:
J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 2001,Aug;48(6):373-83. Visceral botulism--a new form of bovine Clostridium botulinum toxication. Bohnel H, Schwagerick B, Gessler F.Institute for Tropical Animal Health, Georg-August-University,Gottingen, Germany.