Editing Botulism (section)

=== Prevention in non-human species ===
[[File:Waarschuwingsbord tegen botulisme bij Noordhollandskanaal, Bestanddeelnr 928-7134.jpg|thumb|Sign on the [[Noordhollandsch Kanaal]] in 1976, warning bathers of the presence of ''C. botulinum'' in the water.]]
One of the main routes of exposure for botulism is through the consumption of food contaminated with ''C. botulinum''. Food-borne botulism can be prevented in domestic animals through careful inspection of the feed, purchasing high quality feed from reliable sources, and ensuring proper storage. Poultry litter and animal carcasses are places in which ''C. botulinum'' spores are able to germinate so it is advised to avoid spreading poultry litter or any carcass containing materials on fields producing feed materials due to their potential for supporting ''C. botulinum'' growth.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rasetti-Escargueil |first1=Christine |last2=Lemichez |first2=Emmanuel |last3=Popoff |first3=Michel R. |title=Public Health Risk Associated with Botulism as Foodborne Zoonoses |journal=Toxins |date=30 December 2019 |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=17 |doi=10.3390/toxins12010017 |pmid=31905908 |pmc=7020394 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Additionally, water sources should be checked for dead or dying animals, and fields should be checked for animal remains prior to mowing for hay or silage. Correcting any dietary deficiencies can also prevent animals from consuming contaminated materials such as bones or carcasses.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Botulism in Animals - Generalized Conditions |url=https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/clostridial-diseases/botulism-in-animals |access-date=5 May 2023 |website=Merck Veterinary Manual |language=en-US}}</ref> Raw materials used for silage or feed mixed on site should be checked for any sign of mold or rotten appearance. Acidification of animal feed can reduce, but will not eliminate, the risk of toxin formation, especially in carcasses that remain whole.<ref name=":3">{{cite journal |last1=Anniballi |first1=Fabrizio |last2=Fiore |first2=Alfonsina |last3=Löfström |first3=Charlotta |last4=Skarin |first4=Hanna |last5=Auricchio |first5=Bruna |last6=Woudstra |first6=Cédric |last7=Bano |first7=Luca |last8=Segerman |first8=Bo |last9=Koene |first9=Miriam |last10=Båverud |first10=Viveca |last11=Hansen |first11=Trine |last12=Fach |first12=Patrick |last13=Åberg |first13=Annica Tevell |last14=Hedeland |first14=Mikael |last15=Engvall |first15=Eva Olsson |last16=De Medici |first16=Dario |title=Management of Animal Botulism Outbreaks: From Clinical Suspicion to Practical Countermeasures to Prevent or Minimize Outbreaks |journal=Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science |date=September 2013 |volume=11 |issue=S1 |pages=S191–S199 |doi=10.1089/bsp.2012.0089 |pmid=23971806 |url=https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/files/59874124/bsp_2E2012_2E0089.pdf }}</ref>

==== Vaccines in animals ====
Vaccines have been developed for use in animals to prevent botulism. The availability and approval of these vaccines varies depending on the location, with places experiencing more cases generally having more vaccines available and routine vaccination is more common.<ref name=":3" />

A variety of vaccines have been developed for the prevention of botulism in livestock. Most initial vaccinations require multiple doses at intervals from 2–6 weeks, however, some newer vaccines require only one shot. This mainly depends on the type of vaccine and manufacturers recommendations. All vaccines require annual boosters to maintain immunity. Many of these vaccines can be used on multiple species including cattle, sheep, and goats with some labeled for use in horses and mules as well as separate vaccines for mink. Additionally, vaccination during an outbreak is as beneficial as therapeutic treatment in cattle, and this method is also used in horses and pheasants.<ref name=":3" />

The use of region specific toxoids to immunize animals has been shown to be effective. Toxoid types C and D used to immunize cattle is a useful vaccination method in South Africa and Australia. Toxoid has also been shown to be an appropriate method of immunizing minks and pheasants. In endemic areas, for example Kentucky, vaccination with type B toxoid appears to be effective.<ref name=":2" />