Farmers reminded to stay alert for botulism following Jersey cattle deaths
3rd April 2023
Farmers are being reminded of the risk of botulism after the disease was found to be the culprit behind the sudden death of over 100 dairy cows at a Jersey farm in December 2022.
Botulism was confirmed to be the most likely cause of mass cattle death at Woodlands Farm in Jersey after notifiable diseases were ruled out. The cattle died in a span of just four days on 19th December 2022, with livestock in a separate part of the herd being unaffected.
Although government-commissioned tests have found no toxins present in the cattle feed, toxin-producing bacteria were cultured from samples.
Jersey chief veterinary officer Susana Ramos said: “Botulism has been our main working theory throughout. It’s characterised by progressive muscle weakness. Cattle are extremely sensitive to the toxin, and in most cases it is fatal.
“Despite no toxin being found, there was the presence of bacterial spores, and we believe that these results, coupled with the exclusion of notifiable diseases, and the signs reported at the time at the farm, all combine to suggest botulism as the most likely cause of death.”
As the disease is notoriously hard to test for, diagnosis is often based on clinical signs and ruling out other possible causes, and a conclusive laboratory result is often not achievable, Ms Ramos added.
Shortly after the tragic event, 33,000 litres of milk collected from across the Island and stored at Jersey Dairy – including milk from the affected farm – were disposed of as a precaution. However, in light of the recent laboratory results, Natural Environment director Willie Peggie said there is no further risk to animals or public health.
RH&W has previously warned against the dangers of botulism, especially if poultry litter has been used as fertiliser on grass crops.
Explaining the risk, RH&W chairman Nigel Miller said: “Deep litter in poultry sheds may be contaminated by bird carcases or fragments of dead birds.
“This material has the potential to carry botulinum toxin – a toxin which impacts on muscle function and can cause mortality in animals that graze contaminated grass or silage.”
Mr Miller urged farmers who suspect botulism has entered their herd or flock to speak to their vet without delay. Suspected contaminated livestock should also be isolated from the main group and contained in alternative housing or grazing as soon as possible, he stressed.
