A number of cattle have died on a farm in Co Kilkenny due to a suspected outbreak of botulism. The Department of Agriculture confirmed that "there are reports of cattle deaths from what appears to be an incident of poisoning due to botulism. Carcases have been submitted to the regional veterinary laboratory. Staff from the local regional veterinary office are investigating the outbreak."

The news follows an outbreak of the same disease in May on a farm in Co Meath.

The disease

Botulism is caused by toxins produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria. Affected cattle will usually present with signs of progressive flaccid paralysis, which develops over time. Veterinary advice is often to euthanise the animal to prevent further suffering.

Botulism is not a notifiable disease in Ireland, but cases should be reported your local DVO or Regional Veterinary Laboratory so the incidence of the disease is monitored. There is no vaccine licensed for use.

A vaccine to prevent the disease is not available in the Republic of Ireland but is available in the North.

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Suspected botulism outbreak in Meath