Duck Botulism

[Perry17]

One of my ducks was acting off today. I went to feed them, and it was almost like it scared her into a "seizure" I have had Pekins seize before. But I could tell it wasn't the same thing. It was more like she froze up, fell over, no muscle control, but didn't actual seize. Then popped up randomly and took off running, only to do it again a few minutes later.

I did some research and I am almost definitely sure it is botulism. From what I saw today, she is too far gone to try to fix at this point. I am planning to put her down tomorrow, but I think it's for the best.

I'm thinking it is from the area under their pool? I wash out their pool daily and keep it clean, but they have craters and tunnels all in the ground under it that stays damp and gross from them splashing.

I'm chunking the plastic pool, sending the 3 other ducks out to the pond for the summer, and want to sanitize the area as best as possible. I'm planning to order a group of Indian Runner ducklings soon, and don't want the botulism hanging around for them to get it. Is it worth it to spray the whole area ground and all with bleach water? Or would that not do anything? It's a run with dirt floors and some 50 gallon barrels they sleep in. So not much to sanitize, but want to do anything I can to get rid of it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally botulism causes paralysis, especially of the neck. It sounds more like it's having seizures. Does it appear to be suffering?

Botulism in general is caused by consuming mold feed or from eating maggots feeding on a carcass. Disinfecting doesn't help. Keeping the feed dry is how you prevent it.

To me it doesn't sound like botulism. Could possibly be a vitamin deficiency.

 

[Perry17]

Vitamin deficiency is what happened to the Pekin I had that was having seizures. I gave her b Complex in her water dish, and she was better within a few days. The Pekin was definitely seizing when she had issues.

With this one, it's like she just collapsed and couldn't hold herself up. Especially her head and neck, or the rest of her. I probably didn't describe it the best. She fell over, her wings dropped, just went limp. Not tense like a seizure would be, just sudden/random like a seizure. But I want to say it is neurological, because she was able to get her balance after a few minutes with a little help. She wasn't acting herself when she could stand, still weak but walking around fine. Then seemed to fall down again.

I just assumed it was a deficiency like the Pekin, was planning to just start giving b Complex water like before. But after reading another post on here, It says they took their duck with those symptoms to the vet, and was diagnosed with botulism from "eating bad dirt like ducks do". Was told to check for low spots with stagnant nasty mud/water? The duck in that post was put on antibiotics and tube fed, but didn't make it in the end.

What I saw today with her falling over, was just pitiful. I am just scared she will do it in the water, or out in the sun and either drown or overheat. If there is a chance she will recover perfectly, then I will give her a few days in a stall in the shade to see what happens. But if there is any chance of botulism, I don't want any part of it. To be completely honest I know nothing about botulism or how it spreads, but I have too many babies and am terrified about something like that spreading to the other animals.

What do y'all think?

 

[Perry17]

Oh the food was good too. I go through feed around here pretty quick, so it was only a few days old. The yellow plastic dumor layer feed bags.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally would wait a few days before deciding, but only you can see her and judge the situation, so do what you feel is necessary. Most of trying to diagnose poultry is guessing, even for vets. My ducks have had dirty water lots of times because they foul it up quickly. I haven't seen any problems from it.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you think botulism here is a link on treatments just be aware the treatments can cause dehydration and need to be followed to the T

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/

Sure hope she recovers.

 

[Perry17]

Went to check them today and she is acting fine so I left her alone. I'm not sure what's going on with her.

Guess I'll just keep watching and waiting to see what happens. I'll keep y'all updated.