Botulism is a form of poisoning caused by the toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria are commonly found in the soil and produce toxin under conditions found in decaying plant or animal matter.
In horses there are three ways by which botulism may occur:
- Consumption of toxin in feeds;
- The production of toxin in the intestine (usually involving foals) and;
- The production of toxin from wound contamination.
It is usually produced under conditions found in decaying vegetable (forage) matter, which can be from material left on the paddock from last cut of hay and can also be found under large round bales of hay stored outside. Round baled silage is also a great risk as they are not pressed, which leaves oxygen within the bale. Botulism can also be produced in decaying animal carcasses such as sheep, cattle and rabbits.
Manuka follows strict protocol when producing hay or silage to eliminate the risk of botulism. These include:-
- Ensuring there are no traces of hay/silage left on the paddock after raking or baling;
- There are no traces of soil within our hay or silage;
- Manuka is 100% hay/silage production. There is no stock to die and decay;
- All material is checked before and during processing and any suspect material is discarded;
- Manuka produce silage which falls below 4.0 ph. This greatly reduces risk as botulism lives on above 4.5 ph. This is tested with calibrated testing equipment.
- Manuka uses a 3 x 4 large square baler which pushes any air within the bale and the silage is wrapped immediately after baling.
- Manuka has a strict Quality Assurance Programme in place to ensure a quality product along with using respected consultants.
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