Botulism Outbreak Among U.K. Swans

 11/24/2024

The recent occurrence of paralyzed and dead swans and other free-living waterfowl along the Grand Union Canal near London led to an investigation.  Following postmortem and laboratory examinations, a diagnosis of botulism was determined. This obviated concern that birds were infected with avian influenza as occurred in 2023 in Holland when extensive mortality of swans occurred in canals in the vicinity of Utrecht.

 

Hot weather and a decline in water level led to rotting of vegetation that promoted proliferation of Clostridium botulinum.

 

















































































































































































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