From brunetti@empm.cdpr.ca.gov Wed Aug 11 16:33:59 1999
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 11:41:56 -0700
From: Kathy Brunetti <brunetti@empm.cdpr.ca.gov>
To: sanet-mg@ces.ncsu.edu
Subject: maggots and limberneck

Limberneck is another name for avian botulism.  One source of 
botulism toxin is maggots.  From Texas A&M:
 
Botulism is not a bacterial infection, but a condition produced by 
ingestion of a toxin produced by the bacterium Cl. botulinum. The 
organism is common in nature and is widely dispersed in soils. 
Ingestion of the organism is not harmful. It becomes dangerous only 
when conditions are favorable for the growth and multiplication of 
the bacteria and its subsequent toxin production. The organism grows 
best under high humidity and relatively high temperature and in an 
environment containing decaying organic material. Acid conditions are 
detrimental. Stagnant pools or damp areas containing decaying matter 
with an alkaline reaction are a danger area. Botulism may result from 
consumption of any decaying animal or vegetable. Decaying carcasses 
are a frequent source of toxin, and fly maggots feeding on such 
tissue may contain enough toxin to cause the disease when ingested. 
The toxin is water soluble; consequently, water sources may become 
contaminated.
***************
Kathy Brunetti

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