Outbreak of equine botulism type C associated with consumption of baleage in Brazil

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 2026 Open access

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Authors: Larissa L. Souza, Acauane S. Lima, Andressa da Silva Martins, Tamires Ataides Silva, Ana Carolina Borsanelli, Iveraldo Santos Dutra, Rayane Chitolina Pupin, Danilo Carloto Gomes, Ricardo A.A. Lemos
DOI: 10.1177/10406387251399152
Cited by: 0
References: 11

Abstract

An outbreak of botulism occurred in March 2024 among horses at a Quarter Horse stud farm in Central-West Brazil. After ingesting baleage, 22 of 26 (85%) horses housed in stables and fed baleage became ill. The affected horses had dysphagia, muscular weakness, fasciculations, and progressive recumbency; 13 of 22 (59%) died within a few days. The diagnosis of type C botulism was established based on clinical and epidemiologic findings and confirmed by mouse bioassays, which indicated botulinum toxin type C in liver samples and intestinal contents. Furthermore, PCR testing identified toxigenic Clostridium botulinum in the baleage consumed by the horses.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders Diphtheria Corynebacterium and Tetanus Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
Volume
38
Issue
2
Pages
302–304
Publication date
8 January 2026
Language
EN