BOTULISM IN HORSES!!!

Clostridium botulinum lives in moist soil and areas with high humidity and prevalent in decaying matter.The toxins that are produced are very potent resulting in death within 3-5 days of onset of signs. Clostridium botulinum is related to tetanus but more potent than tetanus.The source of infection is usually contaminated pasture that has dead/decaying bodies of animals.The spores are ingested with pasture, the spores can also be consumed from contaminated hay,there is also the possibility of wound contamination by spores. Botulism affects old and young horses, although young horses are very susceptible with a resultant malady disease referred to as shaker foal syndrome. The shaker foal syndrome occurs at 3-8 weeks of age and symptoms include weakness,inability to rise, profound muscle tremor.The uncontrollable shaking often cause the foal to tumble and remain recumbent,death occurs as a result of respiratory paralysis. The classical signs of botulism include;1) muscular tremors and stilted gait. 2)difficult eating and swallowing. 3)progressive muscle weakness 4)decreased tail and tongue tone 4)respiratory paralysis followed by death. The botulinum toxin reproduces repeatedly and rapidly in the horse's gut. Treatment; isolation of affected horse . 2)injection of antitoxin to all horses in the stables.

ANTHRAX IN HORSES.

Anthrax caused by a bacteria; Bacillus anthracis is associated with sudden death and blood oozing from all orifices.Its a zoonotic diseases that affects all warm blooded animals , cattle and sheep are more susceptible than other animals.The bacteria can easily be destroyed with common disinfectants,but when bacteria is exposed to air it forms spores that are resistant to drying,heating,chemicals and even disinfectants.These spores are highly resistant and can survive for years in soil, thus becoming an infection foci to surrounding water bodies,ground water and pasture in that vicinity. The source of infection is usually by grazing in contaminated pasture, or by inhalation of spores.The horse could also be infected through skin abrasions caused by insect bites,where the spores enter the wound area staring of a localized infection that progresses. The common signs are fever,sudden staggering,difficult breathing,trembling collapse and death. Colic is usually observed, with swelling and edema especially in the brisket area. Prevention. 1) vaccination. 2) allow horses on clean pasture( check history of area and any report of anthrax in area. Proper disposal of carcass in cases of outbreaks are important, deep burial and cover with lime.

ANTHRAX.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease,characterized by bleeding/blood oozing from all orifices.The spores are deadly and as such post mortem is not done on cases.The spores have even been used as war weapons.The disease has been confirmed in a farm, that had a similar case over 20 years.This shows how viable the spores can be in the environment; see more http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-wiltshire-34647511