The Latent Threat in Wild Birds: Clostridium botulinum

Avian botulism caused by emerged in 1910, affecting birds across North America, leading to severe outbreaks exacerbated by climate change, decreasing water levels, and inadequate wastewater management. While deadly for birds, its epidemiological impact on humans and other animals remains limited. De...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary sciences 2024-01, Vol.11 (1), p.36
Main Authors: Gutiérrez-Arnal, Josep, Marín, Clara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptability
Animals
avian botulism
Bacteria
Biodiversity
Bird migration
Botulism
Cell division
Climate change
Clostridium botulinum
Diagnosis
Disease resistance
Endangered & extinct species
Endangered species
Environmental factors
Epidemics
epidemiological cycle
Epidemiology
Medical treatment
Outbreaks
Pathogenicity
Pathogens
Review
Soil characteristics
Soil temperature
Toxins
Water levels
wildlife
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Summary:Avian botulism caused by emerged in 1910, affecting birds across North America, leading to severe outbreaks exacerbated by climate change, decreasing water levels, and inadequate wastewater management. While deadly for birds, its epidemiological impact on humans and other animals remains limited. Despite its significance, understanding and controlling the disease remain challenging. This review delves into the pathogen's epidemiology in wild bird populations, exploring the transmission, pathogenicity, clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The disease's growing concern in wild birds relates to the bacterium's adaptability and expansive spread, evident through genetic similarities among strains across countries. Outbreaks are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and soil characteristics. Wild birds inadvertently transmit the bacterium, perpetuating the cycle through carcasses and flies. Some species suffer severely, while others, like scavengers, show resistance. Understanding disease mechanisms, involving potential toxin ingestion or internal production, remains ongoing. Clinical signs vary, affecting diverse bird orders. Diagnostic methods evolve, with treatment success varying among affected populations. Prevention and surveillance take precedence due to treatment challenges, emphasising population-based strategies and preventive measures to manage the widespread presence of
ISSN:2306-7381
2306-7381
DOI:10.3390/vetsci11010036