Lamsiekte (Parabotulism) in cattle in South Africa : the lamsiekte toxin

Abstract

The experiments recorded in the following pages (the protocols of which will be found in Appendix, page 1152) were undertaken with the object (1) of studying the properties of the lamsiekte toxin and determining its minimum lethal dose for the various species of domestic animals; (2) of attenuating the toxin; and (3) of finding a method of immunization against lamsiekte. It may be stated at once that all three objects were achieved to some extent. The minimal lethal dose was determined for the more important domestic animals. Further, it was found possible to attenuate the toxin both by heat and by the addition of chemicals. And, thirdly, a certain degree of immunity could be conferred on cattle and goats, although unfortunately the immunity was afterwards found to be inadequate and the methods too cumbersome.