September 25, 2006

UK authorities to get to the bottom of botulism outbreaks 

England has launched an investigation of a case of botulism after the use of animal by-products were suspected.

A criminal investigation has been launched into a case of suspected botulism in cattle on the east Devon and Somerset border.

A voluntary restriction on the movement of livestock is imposed on four farms in the Hemyock and Dunkeswell area, on the east Devon and Somerset border, according to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

It is believed that about 40 cattle have died so far, an NFU spokesman said.

The Defra website said botulism is found in bacteria in the gut of poultry and wild birds, and in litter in poultry houses. Its spread in cattle has been associated with grazing land on which poultry litter has been scattered, according to Defra.

Authorities said there was a possible association with the banned use of animal by-products and were unable to give details as investigations were on-going.

Even though there has been no reports that meat or milk from cattle affected by botulism can cause human disease, these products from outbreak areas have been withheld from the market, the Food Standards Agency said.