The Department of Agriculture and Food has stated that a thorough investigation into the death of up to 20 beef cattle in Kildare has been launched, with potential links between poultry litter and botulism being explored as the cause of the unexpected deaths.
The incident happened in Kildare last year, where are farmer suffered a loss of up to €30,000 following the death of some of his livestock.
Deputy Timothy Dooley asked Minister Michael Creed for an update on the incident, with the Minister stating that the investigation has not yet concluded.
"My Department is fully aware of the botulism incident referred to in the question. A thorough investigation is currently underway and is not yet concluded. Therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter at this stage," said Minister Creed.
Botulism is a rapid onset, usually fatal disease caused by the botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Typical signs include hindlimb weakness progressing to paralysis, collapse and death. Common sources of toxin includeanimal carcasses, rotting organic material and poorly prepared silage.
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