First Case‌ of Goat Botulism in Korea

A case of botulism has occurred at a goat farm‍ in Gyeonggi Province,​ requiring special caution from goat farmers. This is the first time that goat botulism has occurred in‍ Korea.

The Gyeonggi Northern‌ Animal Hygiene ‌Testing‍ Lab announced on⁢ the 23rd that after ​receiving​ a report on the 3rd that ⁣about 10 goats had suddenly⁢ died at ​a‌ farm in Yeoncheon-gun, they conducted ⁣an on-site inspection and detailed examination and diagnosed⁣ it as ‘botulism.’

Understanding ‌Botulism

Botulism is a ⁤disease in ‍which animals ingest ‍toxins produced ‍by the bacterium ⁣Clostridium botulinum, causing paralysis of the nerves. Depending on the amount of ​toxin, most of the livestock in the farm can die, causing great damage‌ to farms.‍ It is a poisoning that is transmitted when contaminated water or feed⁢ is consumed, and is not contagious, but difficult to ⁢treat.

Outbreak at a Local ‌Farm

The farm, which raised ⁢24 goats, lost 12 goats in just ​two‍ days due to the outbreak of botulism. Traces of leftover⁣ food being fed to‍ the goats were found at ⁤the scene.

Jeong Bong-su, head​ of the Gyeonggi Northern Animal Hygiene Testing Center, ⁣said, “Just like cattle, goats should not be fed leftover food. It⁢ is important ​to provide them⁣ with high-quality hay and ⁣concentrated feed, fresh‍ grass, and uncontaminated water.” He ⁢added, ​“Goats should be vaccinated in farms where botulism symptoms have been reported or are​ at ‍risk of ‌occurring.”

Recent ‌Botulism⁢ Cases in the‌ Region

Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Northern Animal Hygiene ⁤Testing Laboratory diagnosed botulism as the cause of the death⁣ of 12 ⁢cows ‌at a beef farm⁢ in ​Yangju City last month. The farm ‌provided ​the⁣ cows with a ​mix of‌ rotten food scraps ‍and rice straw as feed.