Effects of botulism on ducks drinking saline water.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings (2 wk old) were given water from natural saline wetlands or fresh water as drinking water for 1 or 2 wk prior to, and after, receiving material containing Clostridium botulinum type C toxin. Water with conductivity ranging from 3,460 to 6,690 mu mhos/cm had no detectable effect on the occurrence or severity of clinical signs of botulism. Ducks drinking water with conductivity of 7,130 mu mhos/cm for 1 wk prior to receiving toxin had more severe clinical signs and greater mortality than did birds drinking fresh water. Ducks given the same water for 2 wk prior to receiving toxin did not differ from the controls in response to toxin. Fewer ducks in groups drinking the most saline water tested (conductivity = 13,500 mu mhos/cm) had clinical signs of botulism than in groups drinking fresh water.
Wobeser
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Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001906:Botulism / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*; D004372:Ducks / Q000378:metabolism*; D005618:Fresh Water; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit / Q000187:drug effects; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D014867:Water / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014867:Water; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D001905:Botulinum Toxins