How common is botulism?

[DianeB]

Thankfully, I have not had a problem with botulism with my chickens. However, my chickens got into the compost pile a few days ago and ate some black soldier fly larvae. It made me nervous.

I was wondering how common is botulism or other fungus/bacterial toxins.

My chickens range in a small urban backyard. They have no access to any dead animals or rotting vegetation. There is some scratch grain that is on the ground that does get wet from time to time. But, it sprouts quickly instead of rotting. Also, I live were it is very dry during the summer months with very sandy soil. No rain ever or standing pools of water. Should I be concerned?

DB

 

[SportTees]

Good question

 

[elmo]

I found this link:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/205400.htm

It seems to me that ordinary sanitary practices should protect your flock just fine.

 

[DianeB]

Thank You for you post.

I also found this link http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/botulism.html. Sunlight can destroy the toxin in 1 to 3 hours. It seems like the toxin can only grow under certain conditions and is easily destroyed.

DB