Experimental Botulism in Pekin Ducks

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Abstract
C. botulinum types B, C and E produced toxin in killed Pekin ducks after oral administration of spores to the live birds. The highest toxin production was found when the ducks were killed within 40 min after the administration of the spores. If the ducks were killed after 4 h, only a small amount of toxin or no toxin was found. Pekin ducks were sensitive to botulinum toxin type C-L after administration, the LD50 being 9.6 .times. 104 i.p. mouse LD50. Toxin types B-L, B-M, C-M and E failed to produce symptoms of botulism. The i.v. LD50 for types B-L, B-M, C-L and E were, respectively, 1.5 .times. 104, 1.6 .times. 104, 3.0 .times. 102 and 2.5 .times. 106 i.p. mouse LD50. Although the results clearly showed that ducks are not orally sensitive for botulinum toxin types B and E, multiplication and toxin production of C. botulinum types B and E in dead ducks is possible. Such carcasses can be vectors in cycles of these types in the environment.