Outbreak of avian botulism in a backyard poultry farming / Surto de botulismo aviário em criação de aves domésticas

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to report an outbreak of avian botulism in backyard poultry farming. In 2019, a botulism outbreak in a flock of laying hens was investigated in Brazil. In the flock of 30 hens, clinical signs of botulism occurred after they ate decaying vegetables. A type C botulism outbreak was confirmed using the mouse lethality assay for detection of botulinum toxin in serum and ELISA test to detect Clostridium botulinum in intestinal contents and serum. Botulism in laying hens has rarely been reported. The chickens developed cyanotic comb and wattle, dyspnea, different degrees of flaccid paralysis in the neck, and detachment of feathers. No macroscopic lesions were observed, as were microscopic findings. The chicken's serum was neutralized by C antitoxin, confirming the botulism diagnosis, and also toxin was detected in intestinal contents.