Organizations partner to provide resources on equine botulism

Photo: Bernhard/Adobe Stock

Neogen Corporation, an international food safety company and manufacturer of BotVax B, the only USDA-approved vaccine for botulism Type B in equines, is partnering with US Equestrian to enhance equine care solutions for veterinarians and horse owners, according to a news release.¹ Neogen and US Equestrian will collaborate to create educational materials for members, including best practices, prevention tecniques, and recommended treatment protocols for equine botulism.

"Neogen has been part of the equestrian community for more than 30 years and has focused efforts on providing quality horse health products, from wound care and vaccines to genetic testing and biosecurity solutions," Bill Moroney, chief executive officer at US Equestrian, said in a news release.¹ "Neogen's commitment to research on equine botulism is important and aligns with the goal of providing our members with quality resources and access to experts to help them care for their horses. We welcome Neogen as a sponsor of US Equestrian and look forward to working together."

Equine botulism is a neuromuscular disease in horses that leads to worsening muscle weakness and paralysis, often resulting in death.¹ The disease is caused by the neurotoxin botulinum, which is one of the most potent toxins known.² The toxin is produced by Clostridium botulinum. There are 8 different types of botulism, each producing toxins with varying levels of potency. Although the disease can affect all mammals, horses are among the most vulnerable species. These animals are most commonly affected by botulism types A, B, and C.²

Horses can acquire the disease by consuming feed or hay contaminated with the toxin or with the bacteria. Although less common, animals can also acquire the disease through wound infections. Additionally, botulinum can be found in soil.²

The disease is often described as a silent killer.¹ The primary clinical sign of equine botulism is flaccid paralysis, which is weakness with decreased muscle tone. Initially, the condition may present as a stiff, stilted gait, which then advances to muscle tremors, weakness, and eventually result in recumbency, where the horse is unable to stand. Other signs include²:

• Spending more time lying down
• Paralysis of the eyelids and/or tongue: Dilated pupils and weak blinking; difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Decreased tail tone
• Bladder paralysis and colic
• Paralysis of the respiratory muscles, resulting in death

According to the University of Florida, horses with equine botulism will have normal mentation—they will be aware of their surroundings and often want to eat—which distinguishes the disease from other neurological disorders.²

“Education is a critical component to help horse owners understand and prevent this deadly disease," Renee Hall, head of Pet Health and Wellness for Neogen, said in a news release.¹ "Horse owners, if they understand the threat of botulism, know that the culprit is not just round bales of hay. Botulism can be found in many forage types and cannot be seen or smelled. We all know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

According to Neogen, US Equestrian members will have access to Neogen’s and US Equestrian’s free resources this fall.

References

1. Neogen announced as an official sponsor of US Equestrian. News release. Neogen Corporation. August 22, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neogen-announced-as-an-official-sponsor-of-us-equestrian-302227788.html
2. Botulism in horses & other mammals. University of Florida. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://largeanimal.vethospitals.ufl.edu/botulism-mammals/