Diseases of Duck
"Botulism."
What is Botulism ?
It is a toxin that is produced by the bacterium "Clostridium botulinum. "
It effects all ages groups of ducks and other waterfowl.
How do they get infected?
Botulism is everywhere since it is a spore that lives in the ground. Spores can be found in hay, fruits,vegetables and similar elements. Spores are eaten by the waterfowl, and pass through the intestines without causing illness. In low oxygen environments some of the strains cause toxins.
It is the ingestion of these toxins, rather than the organism itself, that causes botulism. Decaying organic matter, stagnant pools and marsh weed at the edges of dams during droughts provide low oxygen environments suitable for the production of toxin, which may then be ingested by ducks and other poultry. Maggots, litter beetles and fly larvae living in this environment may provide a secondary source of toxin if eaten by the ducks.
What to look for : Signs of Botulism
After the waterfowl ingest the toxin they may become sick within a few hours or up to 2 days later. The earliest signs are drowsiness, weakness and incoordination. Depending on the amount of toxin ingested, the signs may progress to drooping or trailing of the wings, and paralysis of the legs, eyelids and neck. Birds may experience difficulty in breathing. The feathers become ruffled and may be easily plucked due to the paralysis of skin structures. Death usually follows, although some birds may recover.
How to control it :
Do not leave decaying matter around. Collect carcasses of dead ducks at least once a day and burn or bury them. Drain stagnant pools. Provide clean drinking water for them daily. Waterfowl play in drinking water and it is important to keep fresh water for them on a regular basis.
Adding small amounts of clorox bleach to their swimming pools (if you use these for ponds or watering systems for your waterfowl) will help decrease the formation of algae around the inside edges of these pools . The bleach will not harm the birds in small amounts.
If you provide a proper clean and as sanitary of an environment as possible the likelihood of a botulism outbreak is remote. Immunization of ducks against botulism is not widely practiced. However, when birds are at risk, consider vaccination with type C toxoid. |
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
First 