The C-beta and D toxins cause botulism in cattle, sheep, equine, and sporadically in other species.

The disease is presented in two ways:

• Emergence of isolated cases or small outbreaks usually due to the ingestion of contaminated feed, i.e., hay with remains of cat or mouse cadaver within bovine and equine stables.

• Occurrence of epizootic outbreaks

Related to abnormal ecological factors, among them the most significant are:

Phosphorus deficiency in pastures causes animals to acquire the habit of ingesting bones (osteophagia) in attempt to supplement this mineral. When the animals dies aerobic bacteria present in the digestive tract consume the oxygen present, creating a favorable anaerobic atmosphere for spore development. As the cadaver decomposes, the development of these spores and bacterial multiplication results in toxin production. This toxin contaminates porous bones, tendons, and ligaments causing the carcass to be the main link in the epizootic chain.

Lingering drought in areas that normally have rainfall. The epizootic chain begins with the multiplication of C. botulinum in collections of stagnated water. Great accumulation of organic matter at the bottom of these water sources combine with heat to reduce the volume and movement of the water. Fauna and aquatic flora consume what little oxygen remains. This environment favors the growth of C. botulinum and production of its toxin. Animals ingest great amounts of toxin and bacteria every time they consume this water.