COVID-19 pandemic (2019-21)

Poultry Diseases That Come With Floods

The El Niño rains come with many challenges for farmers. Today, we look at two poultry diseases that follow heavy rains.

The flood waters provide favourable conditions for multiplication and growth of disease causing micro-organisms in the environment, feed and even body of animals.

Flood waters can uncover and spread these disease causing micro-organisms from their confines deep in the earth's belly. Moist conditions spoil feeds and make them unsuitable for consumption by birds in addition to causing stress that further predispose poultry to diseases.

In as much as this article is limited to two diseases it is important to note that cold weather during heavy rains is a cause of stress to poultry.

Stress normally results in a weakened immune system, hence predisposing birds to many other diseases. Generally speaking, expect a higher disease incidence and worm infestation during and after heavy rains.

Avian Botulism

You have perhaps heard of Botox cosmetic injections given to people especially ladies to eat away facial wrinkles that come with age. The science behind Botox injections is a toxin that affects nerves by "killing" them; hence preventing wrinkling. This toxin causes a fatal disease in human beings, wild and domestic animals.

Botulism is caused by a highly poisonous bacteria whose spores can survive in an environment with low oxygen for example deep in the soil for long periods.

The bacteria are mainly found in soils, rotting vegetation or animal carcasses; other ground insects like white ants and termites (mchwa and kumbe kumbe) can come in contact with botulism spores and become contaminated and can further infect birds and human beings feeding on these insects.

Botulism is a common poultry disease following floods. Wild and free range birds have high chances of consuming decomposing carcasses of animals killed by flood waters.

This disease in birds is mainly caused through consumption of contaminated insects, vegetables or decomposing animal carcasses or drinking water contaminated with botulism toxin. Botulism is thus very common in free range chicken, ducks, geese and guinea fowl following floods. Fly larvae (maggots) that feed on decomposing carcasses are resistant to the toxin but can pass it on to birds that feed on such maggots effectively spreading the disease.

The main clinical signs of botulism in poultry are general paralysis that makes swallowing of food and walking difficult followed by general body weakness. The affected birds will lay on the ground in groups unable to walk. The disease can kill a bird very quickly before a farmer notices.

Botulism is prevented by confining poultry in a clean house until when wet weather conditions are replaced by warm dry weather conditions. Collection and disposal of dead birds and disinfection of the house will prevent further spread. Proper disposal of animal carcasses will greatly reduce chances of contact with the causative bacteria or infected maggots.

Treatment can be done using antibiotics or anti-toxins depending on the type and number of affected birds. This should be supported by tube feeding where birds have already lost the swallowing ability.

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Brooder pneumonia

Excess rain is already a cause of stress in birds; such birds have a reduced immunity and hence can easily get pneumonia.

Brooder pneumonia is caused by fungal spores that develop in wet conditions but are spread through inhalation in dry dusty conditions. Heavy rains in improperly constructed poultry houses can easily create conditions favourable for the fungal spore growth. Brooder pneumonia is common in housed birds.

Birds suffering from pneumonia will have difficult or fast breathing, gasping for air or coughing and a reduced appetite but increased thirst.

To prevent birds from pneumonia following floods maintain dry warm conditions within the poultry house and don't feed birds on wet and moldy feeds. Feeds initially moldy but dried may look good for poultry consumption but can easily serve as source for the bacterial spores.

Raising poultry house from the ground can cushion birds against floods and help in maintaining warm conditions. Though normally ineffective veterinary intervention can be attempted but the disease will in most cases be cured if further exposure to the fungal spores is stopped.

How to beat the cold

Prepare well for the rainy season if you are a poultry farmer. As the Meteorological Department warns of above average rains; that is the time to check your poultry house if it is in good condition to stand the rains. If yours is a free range system you may need to consider housing your birds if you wish to keep avian botulism at bay.

Ensure you have had your birds vaccinated as per the veterinary guide. Store your feeds in a secure place out of reach by the flood waters and keep checking for any wetness or growth of molds. During the rains check for any cold or wetness and any signs of stress in the birds and quickly put in place corrective measures. When you notice any sick bird immediately isolate it from the rest and report the case to your veterinarian.

(The writer is a veterinary surgeon working as a Communication Officer for the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council –KENTTEC)

Botulism Outbreak Linked To Sardines At Bordeaux Restaurant Leaves 1 Dead, 8 Hospitalized

(CNN) — One person has died and eight people have been hospitalized after an outbreak of botulism in a restaurant in the French city of Bordeaux, according to a statement from France's public health body on Wednesday.

Two less serious cases were also identified, according to local health authorities.

It is thought that the diners ate sardines in a home-made oil preserve, which was contaminated with botulism bacteria. They all dined at the Tchin Tchin wine bar from September 4 to September 10, Public Health France said.

According to CNN affiliate BFMTV, the customer who died was a woman in her thirties who was visiting Bordeaux with her partner, who is still in intensive care.

Botulism is a paralyzing nerve toxin, considered to be one of the most potent and lethal substances in the world.

It's produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and sometimes by strains of Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii. The rod-shaped bacteria are commonly found in soil and sediments from lakes, rivers and oceans.

The bacteria thrive in low-oxygen conditions, such as canned foods, deep wounds and the intestinal tract, but when threatened form protective spores with a hard coating that allows the bacteria to survive for years.

Thierry Touzet, deputy director of the Gironde civil protection authority, told journalists Wednesday that the restaurant will be closed for "the next few days, if not weeks" following discussions with the owner to facilitate cleaning and disinfection of the premises.

"He has considered closing for a longer period to carry out all these operations, and also to train in food preservation techniques," Touzet said.

"The establishment was generally well kept however there was a real problem in the process of preserving food," he said, adding that the owner has been asked to no longer make preserved fish.

He added that there were nine jars of the sardines that were served during the week when the infections were identified, and about 25 people may have eaten the fish.

France's public health agency has warned anyone who visited the restaurant and has shown any symptoms of botulism to immediately seek medical help. These symptoms can include abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred or double vision and a dry mouth accompanied by a difficulty swallowing or even speaking.

Treatment of severe botulism infections can involve assisted breathing in intensive care. However, a rapid treatment of antitoxins after the onset of symptoms can shorten hospitalization periods.

Botulism can be fatal in 5-10% of cases, according to Public Health France.

Bordeaux, in southwest France, is known for its history and wine. The city is popular with tourists and is also hosting matches of the ongoing Rugby World Cup.

CNN has reached out to the Bordeaux prosecutor and Tchin Tchin wine bar for comment.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Three Canadians Diagnosed With Botulism In France – What To Know About Illness

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Botulism is a rare foodborne disease caused by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. (Photo by: CAVALLINI JAMES/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (BSIP via Getty Images)

The Public Health Agency of Canada says three Quebecers have become ill in a botulism outbreak in France that lead to one death (not Canadian).

All individuals ate at the same restaurant, called Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in a touristy area of Bordeaux, France, according to the agency's notice.

"Sardines prepared by and served at the restaurant are suspected to be the source of illness," public health said, adding the exposures occurred from Sept. 4-10. It also warned there may be "additional cases identified among Canadians travelling in France who consumed a meal at this restaurant."

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Symptoms of botulism can take over a week to begin, so PHAC advised any such travellers to "self-monitor for symptoms, and seek immediate medical care if they develop symptoms."

The Public Health Agency of Canada says three Canadian residents have fallen ill from a botulism outbreak in Bordeaux, France. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Sophie Garcia (Associated Press)

Botulism can cause serious illness and even hospitalization. But what exactly does it do?

Read on for everything you need to know.

What is botulism and what causes it?

Botulism is a rare food-borne disease caused by botulinum toxin, produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.

"Botulinum toxin is the most potent toxin known," according to Health Canada Research Scientist, Dr. John Austin, who added that because botulism is "so dangerous," early intervention is key.

The illness is spread primarily by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with the toxin, PHAC said.

According to PHAC, some common sources include:

Home-canned foods such as beets, peppers, asparagus, mushrooms and green beans

Stored food products such as oil or garlic in oil (garlic confit), onions sautéed in butter, commercially prepared chilli and cheese sauce, baked potatoes stored in aluminum foil at room temperature

Fish or marine mammal meat, including seal, whale, walrus, salmon eggs and smoked or salted ungutted fish that is not refrigerated

"Food and beverages become contaminated when spores of the bacteria that cause botulism get into these products where they grow and produce toxins."

Canned goods and other sealed food products provide ideal conditions for bacteria growth. (Getty) (JimSchemel via Getty Images)

It cannot be spread person-to-person, however public health warns it can come from the injection of illicit drugs. Wound botulism is "very rare and has never been reported in Canada," PHAC said, but it has been increasingly reported in other countries among injection drug users.

Infant botulism also rare in Canada, and occurs when children under the age of one accidentally consume the spores of the bacteria. The only known culprit to date is honey which is contaminated with the spores, not the toxin.

"Canned goods and other sealed food products provide ideal conditions for bacteria growth," the health agency explained, but assures commercial canned foods are generally safe. "Commercial canned foods are processed at a high temperature to kill bacteria. These foods have an exceptionally good safety record."

What are the symptoms of botulism?

Symptoms of the illness can take eight days to begin, though they usually appear within 72 hours of eating or drinking the contaminated item, according to public health.

They can include the following:

nausea, diarrhea and vomiting

dry mouth and difficulty swallowing

constipation

blurred or double vision

drooping eyelids and unreactive or fixed pupils

difficulty speaking, including slurred speech

partial facial paralysis or loss of facial expression

a change in sound of the voice, including hoarseness

In infants, it can also include nausea and vomiting, in addition to irritability, a weak cry, poor feeding, loss of head control and muscle weakness from the head down.

What to do if you become ill?

Testing for botulism can include stool, blood, and stomach contents, as well as suspicious foods. (Getty) (DIGICOMPHOTO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images)

Public health advises contacting your doctor should you or your child experience symptoms of botulism so that you can be referred to laboratory testing.

Testing generally includes samples of stool, blood, and stomach contents, as well as suspicious foods.

Treatment for the illness will likely include hospitalization and supportive medical care. It could also include a medication that blocks the botulinum toxin, called the botulism antitoxin.

"Most people recover from botulism, if diagnosed and treated quickly," public health claimed. "However, recovery can take several weeks to months."

How to stay safe?

Botulism is very rare in Canada, and there is currently no vaccine against it. However, there are measures you can take to help prevent contamination.

Refrigerating leftovers immediately, keeping oil-stored foods in the fridge, making sure all foods that say 'keep refrigerated' are being so, and learning about home canning safety can help, PHAC advised.

"Never eat food from cans that are dented, bulging or leaking. This could mean the contents are contaminated and may not be safe to eat," it added.

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