Farmers warned of botulism threat to cattle

Farmers have been warned of a threat of botulism in cattle after a number of animals in different parts of the State died from…

Farmers have been warned of a threat of botulism in cattle after a number of animals in different parts of the State died from the disease.

The rare poisoning is produced by a toxin which can kill cattle.

A Department of Agriculture spokesperson said there is no indication of any infected cattle getting into the food chain.

The most recent outbreak of botulism, which occurred in west Waterford, arose from the common practice of spreading chicken manure on land. A number of cattle have since been destroyed but the Department says there has been no need to isolate any farm.