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Pests, diseases and disorders of animals  Botulism in poultry

Botulism in poultry
Botulism is a disease characterised by paralysis of the neck and limbs of poultry. Usually, a number of birds are
affected and they succumb quickly.

All domestic poultry, including fowls, turkeys, water fowl, pheasants, emus and most wild birds are susceptible.
Carrion-eating birds can withstand large doses of the toxin without showing any symptoms.

Scientific name Clostridium botulinum

Cause Caused by the ingestion of a toxin produced by a bacterium (Clostridium

botulinum) that lives on decaying animal and vegetable matter.

Other names Limberneck

Distribution in Botulism occurs sporadically in poultry raised under conditions where hygiene
is poor and birds have access to rotting carcasses, or other contaminated or
Queensland decaying material. It also occurs occasionally in wild birds, particularly if they
feed in stagnant water holes.

Hosts Wild birds are frequently the source of avian influenza (AI) infection in
domestic poultry. Wild birds may contaminate domestic poultry feed or water
supplies which, when ingested, may lead to infection or disease. Infected
backyard poultry and live bird markets can be a source of AI virus for
commercial poultry.

Symptoms Symptoms first start to appear 12 to 48 hours after the toxin has been
ingested. Affected birds will first appear weak, drowsy and reluctant to move.
The bird's head will droop, later resting it on the ground, with their eyes
closed and wings drooped. They may then lapse into a coma and die. Their
neck may be coiled over or lie straight on the ground due to flaccid (relaxed)
paralysis. Feathers may be easily plucked.

Impacts
 Botulism causing spores can remain dormant in contaminated soil for years
and germinate into toxin producing bacteria when a suitable nutrient source
and an anaerobic environment are available. The toxin can also be found in
maggots and litter beetles that feed on infected carcasses. Botulism is usually
more common in the warmer months.

Conditions that favour the growth of this organism are found in decaying
carcasses, and other decaying plant and animal matter, and in stagnant pools
contaminated by rotting animal or plant material. When birds eat material
containing the toxin, and if the toxin's dose is high enough, the characteristic
signs of botulism will occur.

Control Botulism is best prevented by:

removing dead birds daily

removing the source of the toxin
supplying clean feed and water
keeping birds away from stagnant or pooled water
providing feed in containers and not on the ground.
Sick birds should be isolated and provided with food and water. Supportive
therapy with antibiotics and vitamins has been helpful in some cases. Birds
that live through 48 hours of illness usually recover.

More information
Botulism (https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/livestock/animal-
welfare/pests-diseases-disorders/botulism)
Chicken litter feeding ban (https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/animal-industries/animal-health-and-
diseases/protect-your-animals/chicken-litter-feeding-ban)

Last reviewed: 10 Mar 2017

Last updated: 10 Mar 2017

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