Immunization of ducks for type C botulism.
A single subcutaneous immunization with a vaccine used for protecting ranch mink (Mustela vison) against type C botulism reduced morbidity and mortality in mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and northern pintail (Anas acuta) ducks challenged with approximately 4.5 x 10(4) and 2.25 x 10(4) mouse lethal doses (MLD50), respectively, of botulinum toxin at 10 and 15 days post-immunization (pi). There was no significant protection at 5 days pi. Protection persisted in mallards for 90 days pi. To simulate use of vaccine as a part of treatment of sick birds in the field, mallards were exposed to toxin and, when clinical signs were evident, each bird was treated by intraperitoneal injection of type C botulinum antitoxin and one-half of the birds were immunized. Immunization had no significant effect on recovery from intoxication. At 10 days posttreatment, all birds were challenged with toxin. Clinical signs and mortality were significantly less frequent among immunized birds than among non-immunized birds after the second exposure. Immunization might be useful as part of the treatment regimen in botulism outbreaks.
Martinez
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R
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Wobeser
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G
D000818:Animals; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D001681:Biological Assay; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001904:Botulinum Antitoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000633:toxicity; D001906:Botulism / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D003014:Clostridium botulinum / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary; D004372:Ducks; D005260:Female; D007114:Immunization / Q000662:veterinary*; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010865:Pilot Projects
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D001904:Botulinum Antitoxin; D001905:Botulinum Toxins; C096324:botulinum toxin type C