There have been 11 suspected cases of botulism across eight counties reported to the Department of Agriculture in the last 12 months. Most recently there were reports at the end of last week of cattle deaths in Kilkenny as a result of the disease.

Waterford, Wexford and Meath have all seen two suspected cases in the period from August 2017 to August 2018. Sligo, Clare, Offaly, Kilkenny and Cavan have had one suspected case each in the same period.

Monitoring

Botulism is not a notifiable disease in Ireland. However, cases should be reported to a local DVO or Regional Veterinary Laboratory so the incidence of the disease can be monitored.

Botulism is caused by a bacterium called clostridium botulinum which produces a harmful toxin. Cattle can contract botulism by contact with contaminated decomposing organic material such as poultry litter spread on land grazed by cattle.