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update:May 12, 2010
Broiler house litter is a factor in botulism
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) in the UK has
released new guidelines to help farmers protect their stock from botulism,
warning that spreading poultry litter can be a factor in disease
outbreaks.
Incidence of suspect botulism in the UK has increased substantially since 2003.
Evidence suggests that direct access to litter from broiler houses is a significant factor in most of the recent outbreaks of suspected and confirmed botulism in cattle and sheep. Litter stored or spread on neighbouring farms may also be a factor.
The
VLA guidelines for farmers aim to control these risks. Advice includes not using litter on ruminant farms wherever possible and adopting good personal hygiene when moving or spreading litter.
Editor WorldPoultry
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