If possible, remove the source of the toxin, restrict birds accessing suspect source and attend to hygiene. Remove dead birds, supply clean feed and water, drain stagnant pools and ensure that all feed in the future is fed in containers and not on the ground. The toxin is also found in maggots and litter beetles so these must also be controlled. Treatment Due to the acute action of the Botulism toxin, treatment is often not effective. Birds which live through 48 hours of illness usually recover.
Paralysed birds are unable to eat or drink.
A purgative may cause further complications if forced into the birds mouth. Successful treatment has included a high level of intensive support combined with antibiotics and vitamin B12 injections. The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries 1998.