( Neriumoleander) leaves, green potatoes, rhubarb leaves, white cedar( Meliaazedarach) fruits, paddy ' s lucerne( Sidarhombifolia) leaves and some fungi. Cases have been recorded in some countries of poultry being killed by poisonous seeds in purchased grain. A diagnosis of plant poisoning requires careful recording of symptoms, presentation of sick or freshly-dead birds, evidence that suspect plants or their fruits or seeds have been eaten and specimens of the suspect plants. Botulism( Limber neck): Botulism is caused by the toxins( poisons) produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which may be found in animal carcasses, decaying plant matter, stagnant pools and spoiled food. Fly-blown material is particularly toxic because the toxin is concentrated in the maggots. Birds affected by botulism show paralysis, loose feathers and extreme weakness.
To control an outbreak, contact with possible sources of toxin should be eliminated. In particular, sick birds should be removed and all carcasses should be burned.
Water fowl showing early symptoms may be treated by placing birds in clean, running water and feeding wet bran mash. Pesticides: When poultry are treated for parasites, care must be taken to follow exactly the dose and instructions on the container because improper treatment can be potentially harmful to birds. Some chemicals used for treatment may appear in the eggs or meat of the birds and may persist for some time. In such cases, a period must elapse after treatment before meat or eggs are consumed. This is the ' withholding period ' which is indicated on the container and must be observed. Birds should not be killed for eating during this period and all eggs laid should be discarded.
When poultry are allowed free range, particularly in an orchard, they may be exposed to a variety of pesticides, which are being used on the trees. Some of these pesticides are likely to be toxic to the birds or, even if not affecting the birds themselves, may be taken up and concentrated in the meat or eggs. If the content of a pesticide is high in the meat or eggs, their consumption is dangerous and as such, their sale is illegal. Usually, there is no information on the container of such pesticides about possible effects on poultry or necessary withholding periods. The only safe
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