Botulism & Shaker Foal
Fact Sheet
Botulism in Horses
Botulism is a fatal neurologic disease of horses mostly caused by C. botulinum type B.
News/Interview
ACVIM 2013: Signs of Colic vs. Botulism
Horses with botulism often present as if they're colicking. Here is how to tell the difference.
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Article
Diagnosing and Managing Tetanus and Botulism in Horses
Vaccination reduces horses' risk of contracting tetanus and botulism, two often-fatal diseases.
Photo by Erica Larson, News Editor
Article
Diagnosing and Managing Tetanus and Botulism in Horses
July 31, 2012
Vaccination reduces horses' risk of contracting tetanus and botulism, two often-fatal diseases.... Read More
Article
Equine Emerging and Surging Diseases: What's on the Horizon?
July 17, 2012
Emerging and re-emerging diseases can devastate equine populations and cost the industry millions of dollars.... Read More
Article
Botulism Outbreak Suspected in Maine Horse Deaths
April 30, 2012
Agricultural authorities believe a botulism outbreak is responsible for the deaths of 23 horses at one farm.... Read More
Article
Botulism Kills Five Indiana Horses
March 27, 2012
Five horses in Reddington, Ind., are dead after contracting the botulism toxin from an "unknown food source."... Read More
Article
UK Equine Showcase Presents Young Horse Research
March 22, 2012
The UK Equine Showcase held Jan. 20 focused on young horse heath, including infectious disease and deworming.... Read More
Article
Botulism or Ticks Likely Caused Australian Horse Deaths
November 02, 2011
Botulism and scrub tick infestations both cause the progressive muscular paralysis seen in the deceased horses... Read More
Article
New Bolton Center Free Lecture on Botulism and Horses
September 20, 2011
On Oct. 4, the New Bolton Center will present "BoTox: Good for Your Wrinkles, Not Good for Your Horse."... Read More
Article
International Equine Disease Report, First Quarter 2011
July 07, 2011
The International Collating Center, Newmarket, United Kingdom, and other sources reported the following ... Read More
Article
Vaccination Basics For Horses
June 01, 2010
Vaccines are "cheap insurance" to protect your horses from more costly--and potentially deadly--diseases.... Read More
Article
Botulism Poisoning Claims Tennessee Horses
May 19, 2010
Seven horses belonging to a Spring Hill, Tenn., riding academy are recovering after ingesting hay contaminated with botulism. Four other animals were euthanized at the scene as a result of botulism poisoning. The surviving horses were transport... Read More
Article
Type A Botulism in Horses Described in Case Review
March 24, 2010
An exhaustive review of 10 years of data involving three isolated cases and eight outbreaks of type A botulism in horses is anticipated to play an important role in establishing prevention and treatment strategies. The botulinum toxi... Read More
Article
Beat Botulism
March 01, 2010
Botulism is largely avoidable, but immediate veterinary treatment could help save an affected horse's life.... Read More
Article
Equine Grass Sickness Reviewed
January 07, 2010
A fatal gastrointestinal disease once limited to Scotland is being seen more frequently in certain parts of the world due to geographical progression, said British researchers. Frequently occurring throughout Great Britain, equine gr... Read More
Article
Botulism Reviewed for World Equine Vets
November 23, 2009
An overview of botulism was given at the 2009 WEVA Congress by Nathan M. Slovis DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, CHT (certified in hyperbaric oxygen therapy), director of the McGee Critical Care and Medical Center at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in... Read More
Article
Botulism in Horses: A Deadly Disease
June 25, 2009
Botulism is a deadly disease caused by the toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin that impairs nerve function, including those of the diaphragm, leading to paralysis. When the... Read More
Article
Vet Confirms Botulism Caused Recent Wyoming Horse Deaths
May 31, 2009
A dozen horses that died in a pasture west of Casper, Wyo., last month had botulism, according to a report appearing on kcwy13.com. George Marble, DVM, said three... Read More
Article
New Equine Fact Sheets Available on TheHorse.com
March 06, 2009
TheHorse.com now offers additional Fact Sheets on topics our readers have indicated are important to them based on searched terms, reader views on that topic, surveys/polls, and personal communications. Following are the newest <A... Read More
Article
Vaccination Yearly Planner
January 01, 2009
Immunizations are the cornerstone of disease prevention if given appropriately and in a timely manner. One of the brightest spots of equine medical care for horses is the availability of many safe and effective vaccines to... Read More
Article
Consider Vaccinating Horses Against Botulism
November 02, 2008
The recent deaths of approximately 100 horses in Florida in an apparent outbreak of equine botulism have highlighted the need for a better understanding of the causes of the dreaded disease, and how it can be prevented. Haylage contaminated... Read More
Article
100 Horses Dead at Embryo Transfer Farm; Botulism Suspected
October 10, 2008
Around 100 horses have died at EquiTransfer, a Marion County, Fla., embryo transfer farm. Veterinary officials say that botulism from haylage might be to blame. EquiTransfer is owned by veterinarians Jose Dávila, DVM, and his wife, Francis... Read More
Article
Vaccination Schedule Guidelines
April 21, 2008
Developing a vaccination schedule is not as straightforward as it sounds. So much of what you should vaccinate for depends upon such factors as where you live, how often your horse travels, how old he is, his vaccination history, and what infectious ... Read More
Article
Special Report: Botulism in Horses
January 10, 2008
Learn more about botulism, a deadly toxin that strikes swiftly but can easily be prevented.... Read More
Article
Botulism: A Perfect Killer
December 01, 2007
Horses are highly susceptible to botulism toxins; vaccination and feed/water management are key to prevention. Botulism is an often-lethal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. Although... Read More
Article
"Tuesday Talk" Highlights Neurologic Issues
December 24, 2006
The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center presented "Equine Neurological Issues Over the Life Course" during its first Tuesday Talk session of the season. The seminar, which was held in Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 5, featured Martin O.... Read More
Article
Equine Internists Help Beau Beat Botulism
June 23, 2006
Beau's bright, interested eyes and shiny coat do not give any indication that he was at death's door just a few months ago. On June 1, the chocolate-colored Rocky Mountain Horse gelding was a guest for the American College of Veterinary Internal... Read More








