An outbreak of type-C botulism in broiler chickens in Nigeria

Abstract

A flock of 8 weeks old broilers suddenly developed signs of coma, paralysis of the legs with neck dropped and extended. Only mild enteritis was noticed at necropsy. Mice inoculated with serum of affected birds died overnight while those given Clostridium botulinum type-C antitoxin remained apparently healthy. A diagnosis of type-C botulism was consequently made. Reports of outbreak of this disease appear to be rare in Nigeria and other African countries.