Botulism is a naturally occurring toxin found in the environment that is harmful to mammals.
How Botulism is Transmitted in Horses
By eating hay or feed that has botulism toxin already in it.
By ingesting feed, hay or other organic matter that contain botulism bacteria.
By the introduction of bacteria through wounds.
No matter if the illness comes on rapidly or more gradually, the initial symptom is always the same: muscle weakness. Losing muscle tone, such as drooping eyelids, is one of the early signs of botulism.
The biggest predictor of whether a horse will survive a bout of botulism is if he can stand.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent botulism infection.