BACILLUS BOTULINUS 131 



tion, general muscular weakness, and, in severe cases, paralysis are constant 

 signs. 



Postmortem degeneration of ganglion cells of the anterior horn and bulbar 

 centers is found. 



A period of incubation, lasting about 24 hours, elapses after the toxin is in- 

 gested before symptoms develop. 



Diagnosis. Bacteriological diagnosis can only be made by finding the organ- 

 ism or its toxin in food. Cats and dogs fed on meats, etc., containing the toxin, 

 or injected with 3 cc. of a bouillon culture are made ill, present characteristic 

 signs and frequently die. 



