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Horses (Botulism)

Volume 109: debated on Friday 6 February 1987

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asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what reports he has received of horses contracting botulism in Devon and Cornwall; how many horses have contracted the disease; when and how many have been destroyed; and if he will make a statement;(2) what investigations and inquiries are taking place into an outbreak of botulism amongst horses in Devon and Cornwall; what steps he is taking to identify the causes and prevent the spread of the disease; and if he will make a statement.

The Ministry is aware of a case of suspected botulism in two horses stabled in a single premises near Bovey Tracy in south Devon. One horse has died and the other has been destroyed. Specimens from the horses have been sent to the Ministry's veterinary investigation centre at Starcross for diagnosis as have samples of fodder, which can be the source of this disease in livestock. Botulism, which is not notifiable, is not contagious and this case presents no risk to animal or public health.