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.