Extension - Ecosystem Stewardship
Avian Botulism Research and Outreach

Since 1999, avian botulism, a disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, has caused the die-off of thousands of gulls, loons, and other fish-eating birds on Lake Erie. Botulism type E has been identified as the strain that is affecting these birds and has also been linked to numerous fish kills occurring on lakes Erie, Huron, and Ontario. Pennsylvania Sea Grant, in partnership with New York Sea Grant, Ohio Sea Grant, and Environment Canada, has taken the lead in developing an Avian Botulism Task Force to address this problem, including driving research efforts and helping to procure funding for related research. To date, the Avian Botulism Task Force has sponsored and facilitated five workshops related to avian botulism (view workshop proceedings).

To learn more about avian botulism view the fact sheet Botulism, or contact Eric Obert.

Botulism FAQ: http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/habitat/avian-botulism-faq.html