A Clinico-Pathologic Study of Botulism in Ring-Necked Pheasants

Toxins were produced from 6 strains of Cl. Botulinum, 2 of which killed pheasants. Inoculated birds were observed and a description of the progression of signs of the disease is given. Juvenile pheasants were inoculated with Types A and C toxin intramuscularly and were given the toxin orally. These birds were observed and their clinical signs noted. Adult pheasants were inoculated with toxoid prepared from type C toxin and commercial toxoid; injections were repeated in 21 days. Fourteen days following the final injection, the birds were challenged with toxin. Those protected with toxoid survived, while those receiving saline succumbed. Gross necropsy findings, bacteriologic and histopathologic examinations on all birds were negative