Botulism origins and causes

Botulism is a serious illness caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which thrive in environments like soil, water, and animal waste. This toxin can harm both humans and animals, with foodborne botulism and infant botulism being the most common forms in people.

Symptoms and severity

The botulinum toxin can lead to severe muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and even death if not treated quickly. It is one of the most potent natural toxins, with a lethal dose estimated at 30 to 100 nanograms per kilogram of body weight in humans.

Botulism in France

In France, food is the main source of botulism infections, though other exposure routes exist. A notable case occurred during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where 15 people from seven countries fell ill after eating homemade sardine cans, with one reported death. The disease is required by law to be reported, with 74 outbreaks recorded between 2018 and 2024.

Impact on animals

Botulism also affects animals, particularly poultry, cattle, and wild birds, leading to significant economic and ecological losses. Between 2009 and 2019, an average of 30 botulism cases occurred yearly in poultry farms, 10 in cattle farms, and 20 in wild birds. Recent years have seen a rise in cattle outbreaks, with 35 confirmed cases in 2022.

Prevention and management

Preventing botulism involves strict food safety practices, such as proper canning and avoiding honey for infants. For animals, farms implement biosafety measures and vaccinations. The National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses) provides expert guidance on managing and assessing botulism risks.