Avian botulism at a sugar beet processing plant in South Moravia (Czech Republic)

Abstract

An episode of mortality in waterbirds occurred on a sedimentation reservoir with effluents from the sugar beet processing plant at Hrusovany n. J. (South Moravia, Czech Republic) in summer 2003: tens of blackheaded gulls (Larus ridibundus), several lapwings (Vanellus vanellus), one little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), one ruff(Philomachus pugnax), one wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola), and two avocets (Recurvirostra avosetta) died. One of the two avocets and the plover, local breeders, were examined and found positive for Clostridium botulinum type C toxin by use of the toxin-neutralization test. Avocet is classified as a rare bird species according to Red Book data and is listed as critically endangered species in the Czech Republic, and is therefore protected. Avian botulism can occasionally cause deleterious effects to waterbird fauna and its protection.