Botulism in cattle in the state of Piauí, Brazil

Abstract

A study was made of a disease of cattle known as "doença da mão dura" (stiff foreleg disease). This disease is found in the inland area of the state of Piauí where there exists a severe deficiency of phosphorus. It was estimated that 2 to 3 thousand cattle of an approximate total of 100 thousand found in this area die annually from the disease. The diagnosis was based on the history and the general features of the disease, clinical and post-mortem findings, bacteriological findings of toxic cultures and serum-protection tests. The toxin is related to the type C/D of Clostridium botulinum.