Pathogenesis | Botulism
Botulism is transmitted in three ways: ingestion, wound contamination, and intestinal botulism.

 

  • Cattle ingest the toxin by eating carcasses, bones, hay, silage or poultry litter that has been contaminated with the toxin.  Malnourished animals, including those suffering from phosphorus deficiency, acquire botulism by eating carrion.
  • Wound contamination occurs by the deep inoculation of toxin into an anaerobic environment and subsequent germination within the host.
  • Intestinal botulism is unusual but associated with achlorhydria, gastrointestinal surgery or stagnant loops of bowel.

 
The botulism toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine from the motor nerve endings. The toxin is present in the circulation or intestines. The toxin found in circulation is bound by the receptors on the nerve endings, whereas the intestinal toxin enters the circulation via lymph vessels and then binds to the receptors.

Clostridial Diseases Menu | Clinical Signs (Botulism)