In the last week of July, our laboratory found clostridia carrying genes for the production of botulinum toxin type C in the stomach contents of dead wild ducks from the South Bohemian region. The detection was made using molecular genetic methods.
Botulism in ducks is most commonly caused by botulinum toxin type C or D. This toxin causes muscle paralysis and can lead to the death of the birds. Ducks often become infected with botulism after ingesting contaminated water, mud or rotting vegetation, especially during the hot summer months.
