Mark B Bartosik
Well-known member
When spending day on the Bolivar Peninsula on September 16 I found at least two cases of Sanderlings affected by Avian Botulism (BoNt neurotoxin). Signs were classical: birds were unable to use their wings and legs normally nor control, to some degree, the neck muscles. Not able to fly or walk they could only crawl using wing tips for support. I spent a lot of time on Bolivar Peninsula over last decade and never found even one case before.
http://www.pbase.com/mbb/image/166222747
As I am not sure about importance about this finding (possible outbreak?) and what is the best organization to contact so I will appreciate if somebody who is knowledgeable would forward this record to the right place if thinks it might be of importance. I tried to notify the USGS National Wildlife Health Center but link is not working. Bolivar Flats are important place for migrating shore birds and seabirds, and home to some endangered species (large number of Piping Plovers spend here most part of the year outside of their breeding grounds)
Best regards,
Mark
http://www.pbase.com/mbb/image/166222747
As I am not sure about importance about this finding (possible outbreak?) and what is the best organization to contact so I will appreciate if somebody who is knowledgeable would forward this record to the right place if thinks it might be of importance. I tried to notify the USGS National Wildlife Health Center but link is not working. Bolivar Flats are important place for migrating shore birds and seabirds, and home to some endangered species (large number of Piping Plovers spend here most part of the year outside of their breeding grounds)
Best regards,
Mark
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