Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin which is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The bacterium is common in the soil and survives in the form of spores. Transmission may be through the contamination of food or potentially via airborne (inhalation) route in a deliberate or accidental release. Person-to-person spread does not occur.

• General Information - Botulism
  Q&As about botulism, an illness caused by botulinum toxin V2.2 31 March 2009
  Added/updated: 1 April 2009
  
• Department of Health links
  Department of Health links for deliberate or accidental release of botulism
  Added/updated: 1 April 2009