Avian botulism type E in waterbirds of Lake Michigan, 2010–2013

Jennifer G. Chipault; C. LeAnn White; David S. Blehert; Susan K. Jennings; Sean M. Strom

doi:10.1016/j.jglr.2015.03.021

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Avian botulism type E in waterbirds of Lake Michigan, 2010–2013

Jennifer G. Chipault·C. LeAnn White·David S. Blehert·Susan K. Jennings·Sean M. Strom

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Abstract

During 2010 to 2013, waterbird mortality surveillance programs used a shared protocol for shoreline walking surveys performed June to November at three areas in northern Lake Michigan. In 2010 and 2012, 1244 total carcasses (0.8 dead bird/km walked) and 2399 total carcasses (1.2 dead birds/km walked), respectively, were detected. Fewer carcasses were detected in 2011 (353 total carcasses, 0.2 dead bird/km walked) and 2013 (451 total carcasses, 0.3 dead bird/km walked). During 3 years, peak detection of carcasses occurred in October and involved primarily migratory diving and fish-eating birds, including long-tailed ducks ( Clangula hyemalis ; 2010), common loons ( Gavia immer ; 2012), and red-breasted mergansers ( Mergus serrator ; 2013). In 2011, peak detection of carcasses occurred in August and consisted primarily of summer residents such as gulls ( Larus spp.) and double-crested cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritus ). A subset of fresh carcasses was collected throughout each year of the study and tested for botulinum neurotoxin type E (BoNT/E). Sixty-one percent of carcasses (57/94) and 10 of 11 species collected throughout the sampling season tested positive for BoNT/E, suggesting avian botulism type E was a major cause of death for both resident and migratory birds in Lake Michigan. The variety of avian species affected by botulism type E throughout the summer and fall during all 4 years of coordinated surveillance also suggests multiple routes for bird exposure to BoNT/E in Lake Michigan.

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Journal of Great Lakes Research Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 44.308126684886126° to 46.13417004624326° latitude; -88.1597900390625° to -85.3802490234375° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Jennifer G. Chipault, C. LeAnn White, David S. Blehert, Susan K. Jennings, Sean M. Strom. 2015. Avian botulism type E in waterbirds of Lake Michigan, 2010–2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2015.03.021

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