New cattle disease is transmitted to humans

A new cattle disease is also threatening farmers. According to the authorities, the first farmers have already become infected with botulism.

A new bovine disease called botulism threatens not only animals, but also people who have come into contact with the sick cattle. Especially farmers are threatened by the close contact with the sick cattle. According to information already confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, several farmers are already ill.

Several farmers from the north are already ill, as the authorities said. Those affected have infected their cattle with the disease botulism. The first signs of the chronic illness are increasing weakness (fatigue) and loss of strength, urinary symptoms, dry eyes, as well as frequent diarrhea and constipation. Thereupon Prof. dr. Dirk Dressler from the Hannover Medical School (MHH).

Increase in the number of illnesses
The Ministry of Agriculture in Kiel confirmed above all an increase in diseases in the district of Steinburg. About a year ago, about 850 cattle were killed in this region, suffering from muscle paralysis, movement disorders and ulcers. At that time, however, it was not clear how many cattle actually had botulism. According to the ARD magazine „Report Mainz“ it is likely to have been the largest proportion of cattle herd. Experts suspect that the cause of botulism was caused by improper preparation of the food. Botulism is often caused in cattle by contaminated feed.

Does the cattle disease spread??
Many farmers and rural people now fear that the disease will continue to spread, leaking onto people. But according to Prof. Dirk Dressler, there is no danger of a mass epidemic among humans. "According to our research, there is no evidence that the disease is massive or even life-threatening for humans," said Dressler. Not all farmers who came into contact with the sick animals had been infected. A transmission of the disease from person to person could not be determined yet either. However, the experts do not agree on this issue. In the ARD television magazine „Report Mainz“ The microbiologist Prof. Monika Krüger from the University of Leipzig warned against the spread of the disease among humans.

The exact causes of cattle disease „botulism“ So far, they have hardly been investigated and current findings are only very insufficient. But the authorities now want to work to ensure that the causes are analyzed in detail. Above all, it is difficult to differentiate the complaints from other possible illnesses. Symptoms such as bloated abdomen (flatulence), delayed reflexes, fertility problems, as well as a disturbed general condition could just as well speak for many other diseases. The Ministry of Agriculture holds the name „epidemic“ for exaggeration. It is not justified at the moment to speak of such proportions, as it was said.

Therapy for botulism
There is currently no effective therapy for botulism. However, antitoxins and vaccines for type C and D cattle are produced in South Africa, which are not authorized in Germany. Nevertheless, to treat cattle with it farmers have to obtain a special permit. However, the use of antitoxins is often too late, since the disease is mostly advanced.

prevention
Farmers can prevent outbreaks of the disease by keeping food hygienic. Fertilizers and silages must not contain animal carcasses. Green areas should be mowed from the inside out. Barn, pasture, watering and feeding sites should be regularly inspected for animal carcasses. Rats and mice can also be carriers and should therefore be properly controlled. The pastures on which the cows are staying should never be fertilized with poultry manure. (sb, 13.10.2010)

Picture credits: Joujou