A farm near Kilmore Quay in south Wexford has reported a number of animal deaths to the Department of Agriculture as a suspected outbreak of botulism, South East Radio reported on Friday. It is understood that as many of 15 animals have died as a result over the past week.

After enquiry the Department confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that it was investigating the case.

If confirmed, this will be the 12th case in as many months in the Republic of Ireland.

Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is commonly found in the environment and will grow in decaying carcases and vegetable matter.

Access to poultry litter is a significant risk factor for bovine botulism. The presence of poultry carcases, small fragments of carcases that have died during the poultry production cycle of the litter are possible sources of botulinum toxin.

"At no time should poultry litter be accessible to dogs, foxes, crows or other scavengers that may carry carcases or bits of carcases onto adjacent pasture or into livestock housing," a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said. "Any animal or bird carcases, or portions of carcases, visible on pasture or in cattle houses should be promptly removed. Even small fragments of such material may be dangerous to cattle and should be disposed of safely. Poultry litter should not be spread on agricultural land that is to be grazed, or from which silage or hay is to be harvested the same year."

In general, the proper preparation and storage of animal feedstuffs is a very important part of risk management on a farm. Vermin control and ensuring that the carcases of small animals do not contaminate feedstuffs is an important risk-reduction measure. Improperly made silage that decomposes instead of fermenting, or stored feed which is decomposed are also risk factors.

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Map: 11 cases of botulism in the last 12 months

Precautions around using poultry manures