Botulism is an intoxication caused by ingesting Clostridium
botulinum exotoxin or by absorbing toxin produced in the
alimentary tract (toxico-infection). Between 1910 and 1997,
4,881,000 waterfowl, primarily ducks, are known to have drowned
due to loss of motor control and ensuing paralysis of the neck
caused by botulism. Deaths occurred in Europe, North America,
Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain, New Zealand, the
Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Argentina, and Brazil. Avian
botulism has been found in 28 countries, and there is concern
that endangered species may be lost. (Also see Clostridial
Diseases: Botulism.) C botulinum is a gram-positive,
sporeforming, anaerobic bacterium that inhabits soils and marine
and freshwater sediments. It is commonly found in the gut of
poultry and wild birds and in litter, feed, and water in broiler
chicken houses. Intoxications are sporadic in poultry, but
massive mortality has occurred in waterfowl in western North
America. Outbreaks in poultry and waterfowl are predomin