The aim of this study was characterization of anaerobic spore-forming bacilli from C. botulinum species. Botulinum toxins are considered as the most potent substances naturally occurred in the environment. Cattle and poultry are the most frequently affected species of animals by botulism. C. botulinum detection is very complicated because of lack of selective media for isolation of this pathogen. The mouse bioassay is considered as the „gold standard” in laboratory practice until now. This test is specific, however time-consuming and ethically controversial as well. Immunological, chromatographic and molecular biology methods are used more frequently as an alternative methods. In this study, botulism of chosen farm animals and methods used in the laboratory diagnostics of this disease were described.