There are reports of a hitherto unknown bovine disease in Germany. The symptoms are, in general, indigestion (constipation alternating with diarrhoea), non-infectious chronic laminitis, engorged veins, oedemas, retracted abdomen, emaciation and apathy. Most cases occur during the peripartal period and often result in unexpected death. In addition, there are findings of delayed growth and wasting in heifers, as well as decreasing milk yield. Clinical and standard laboratory examinations leave the origin undisclosed. Bioassays for Clostridium botulinum, its spores and toxins in animals of affected farms revealed the presence of free botulinum toxin in the contents of the lower sections of the intestine. In two control farms without signs of the disease, the tests remained negative. This seems to support our hypothesis that long-lasting absorption of low quantities of botulinum toxin may interfere with the neurological control of intestinal physiology. The authors propose to name this disease complex 'visceral botulism'.