Botulism in Cattle: A Case Report of an Outbreak in Sardinia (Italy)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Botulism is a disease that can affect humans as well as many animals. Most cases of botulism in farm animals are foodborne. This report describes the clinical course and diagnosis of a botulism outbreak in cattle that was most likely derived from foods. We emphasize the importance of the early sampling of food and biological matrixes in cases of suspected botulism to arrive at a quick diagnosis. ABSTRACT: Clostridium botulinum is the main causative agent of botulism in humans and animals. The ingestion of the botulinum neurotoxin, usually types C and D, has been shown to produce disease (neurological symptoms) in most botulism cases in cattle. We report an outbreak in Southern Sardinia that involved a livestock farm with 120 animals, 39 of which died. The aim of this report is to describe the course of this outbreak and the progression of symptoms up to the death of some animals; we also describe the therapeutic approach applied in this case and the analytical techniques used to diagnose the disease. Finally, we emphasize the importance of promptly proceeding with the sampling of several matrixes when a suspicion of botulism arises.