Officials: Botulism problem for Great Lakes birds

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Officials at Presque Isle State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania say dead gulls and loons are proof that avian botulism continues to be a problem for Great Lakes shore birds.

The staff has found nearly 60 dead birds at the park since Oct. 31, including nine dead loons on Wednesday.

Scientists say the problem begins with zebra mussels, which clear and warm the water causing a certain kind of algae to form. When the algae dies, it releases the botulism into the water.

The mussels which filter the toxin are eaten by fish, which die, and the birds eat the fish and get sick.

Avian botulism paralyzes the birds' muscles, killing them.

Once the weather cools, the disease dissipates.

Source: mlive.com