Avian botulism is a paralytic and often-fatal disease of birds resulting from the ingestion of toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Botulism spreads by transmission of toxin through a bird-maggot cycle.
Type C toxin affects ducks and shorebirds, while type E toxin is commonly found in gulls and loons but can also affect fish. There have been a few cases in the United States where type E toxin has caused botulism in humans. The botulism outbreak in the gull population on Lake Erie and possible transmission to fish has caused concern for food preparation safety. This poster is designed to inform you about proper care and handling of fish and waterfowl from Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Fish flesh is very perishable.