2 OUTBREAKS OF TYPE-C AND TYPE-D BOTULISM IN SHEEP AND GOATS IN SOUTH-AFRICA

Two outbreaks of botulism in sheep and goats are described; in one, 32 9 out of 900 sheep in a feedlot died within 9 d of the onset of the di sease and in the other, 100 sheep and goats out of 330 succumbed over a period of about 3 weeks. Animals were found dead or died suddenly, w ithout exhibiting clinical signs. Others stood with lowered heads and showed drooling of saliva or a stiff gait. Paresis and/or paralysis we re frequent signs in the terminal stages of the disease. Gross lesions such as the accumulation of fluids in body cavities, pulmonary oedema , foam in the trachea, epicardial haemorrhages and congestion of the m ucosa of the small intestine, suggestive of heart failure, were presen t in animals from both outbreaks. Botulism was confirmed via the mouse toxicity test, by the demonstration of Type C and Type D toxins in th e feed and intestinal contents of sheep from the first outbreak and Ty pe D toxin in intestinal contents of sheep from the second. The clinic al signs and macropathology in the outbreaks of botulismin sheep and g oats in South Africa may resemble ''krimpsiekte'' and cardiac glycosid e and ionophore poisoning, as well as other conditions causing heart f ailure.