Botulism likely the cause of Australian cattle deaths on live export ship

A significant number of cattle have died on a live export vessel bound for Indonesia, with botulism identified as the likely cause. 

The Braham Express left from Darwin on March 14, discharged at Panjang, Indonesia on Sunday and is on its way back to Darwin where it is expected to arrive on March 31. 

The number of deaths is yet to be confirmed through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) investigation process, including DAFF investigators who are believed to already be on the ground in Indonesia. 

DAFF confirmed it had been notified by a commercial exporter of an incident involving cattle deaths on a live export vessel exporting to Indonesia and clearly outlined that Australia remained free of exotic animal diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease. 

“Prior to departure, the department undertook pre-export inspections to ensure that the livestock met requirements under the Export Control Act 2020 and importing-country requirements,” the DAFF statement read. 

“There is no suggestion that exotic animal disease is involved. We are investigating the incident as per normal procedures and as a matter of priority.” 

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) also issued a statement yesterday afternoon and confirmed the cattle were discharged from the ship on Sunday. 

“Initial assumptions are that this is a case of Botulism, with the affected animals coming from a single property. Efforts are underway to treat remaining animals that may be affected,” the ALEC statement read. 

 “Prior to departure, all livestock loaded onto the vessel were assessed to be in good health and fit to load and were inspected by veterinarians.” 

ALEC said the issue was self-reported by the exporter and that the exporter was assisting DAFF with further investigation. 

“The exporter has conducted itself correctly through the process and will work closely with DAFF to determine the cause of the deaths,” ALEC said. 

“DAFF is engaging with Indonesian officials to keep them informed of the issue.  

“Australia is confident that there is no evidence of an exotic disease and that our Animal Health Status remains unchanged. 

“Indonesia is Australia’s most important trading partner for live cattle and it is important that we work closely and transparently with them as we work through this issue.” 

Botulism 

According to the Northern Territory Government Botulism has a rapid onset and is usually a fatal disease of livestock in the northern regions of Australia, particularly in areas where pastures experience periods of protein and phosphorus deficiency.  

An outbreak of botulism is most likely to occur in cattle, when unvaccinated stock are kept on a protein and phosphorus-deficient diet, and where carcass chewing is common. 

It is caused by the botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. 

Diagnosis of botulism is based on clinical signs and exclusion of other causes.  

In some cases, where the animal is still alive, the tongue will remain extended when pulled out from the mouth.  

If a post-mortem is conducted, evidence of carcass consumption may be found in the forestomaches (rumen or reticulum), in the form of hide, bones or maggots.  

Once an animal has absorbed the toxin, there is no curative medical treatment available to improve recovery. Most cases develop quickly and death nearly always follows.  

Mildly affected animals may recover with good nursing and veterinary care.  

If nursing is attempted, the animal must not be drenched through the mouth, because it cannot swallow.  

Most affected cattle die from respiratory failure. However, complications can develop in cattle that cannot stand, and sometimes the best option is euthanasia on animal welfare grounds.