What is avian botulism, which has killed more than 500 migratory birds at Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A deadly outbreak of avian botulism has claimed the lives of more than 500 migratory birds at Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan since October 26.
The Central Avian Research Institute in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has identified bird botulism as the cause of death in its research report, officials told PTI on Friday.
Sub-divisional officer Jeetu Kulhari said, “We came to know about the deaths on October 26. Since then, 520 birds have died due to bird botulism at Sambhar Lake. Laboratory report has confirmed botulism as the cause of death.”
Botulism, caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinumreleases a toxin that attacks the nervous system of birds, leading to paralysis of wings and legs, which is often fatal.
The response to the tragedy involves a coordinated rescue and relief operation involving ten teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), supported by various government departments.
Sick birds are removed from the affected area and taken to a sanctuary in Mithri where they are treated. So far, 38 birds have been successfully treated and released into the lake, Kulhari added.
This is not the first occurrence of bird botulism at Sambhar Lake. A massive outbreak in 2019 led to the deaths of an estimated 18,000 birds, according to a government report.