CASE REPORT: SUSPECTED BOTULISM IN A BLACK-FACED SPOONBILL (PLATALEA MINOR)

Abstract

Numerous cases of black-faced spoonbills (Platalea minor) showing signs of limberneck and flaccid paralysis of the legs and wings were suspected to be suffering from botulism by veterinarians in Tainan County, Taiwan from February to March in 2015. Most of the sick birds completely recovered and were successfully released following treatment with antiserum to botulinum toxin type C. However, 10 remaining spoonbills still suffered from curled claws and stood on the tarsometatarsal joints. They were transferred to the Endemic Species Research Institute for further treatment. One of the birds showed elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and uric acid, along with swollen kidneys observed in radiographs. The bird eventually died, allowing for further examination. At necropsy, fungal plaques and caseous nodules were also present in the lungs, pleura and adjacent air sacs. Microscopically, Aspergillus spp. were evident in the plaques and caseous nodules. In addition, mural endocarditis in the aortic intima associated with the aspergillosis was also present. Thus, the final diagnosis was suspected botulism with respiratory and systemic aspergillosis.

Population trends of the Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor: analysis of data from international synchronised censuses

“…Avian disease may also be playing a role in regulating population size at this site. Two bouts of avian botulism (in 2002 and 2015) killed a total of 74 individuals (Yeung et al 2006, Yin et al 2016), which highlights the risk of disease affecting highly concentrated wintering populations of birds. Continued monitoring of the populations and comprehensive environmental monitoring, for example assessment of pollutant concentration and food availability, are needed to unravel the underlying causes of the emerging trends in population sizes in the key wintering populations.…”

Efficacy of detection canines for avian botulism surveillance and mitigation

“…Other invertebrates that fed on toxic carcasses, or secondarily consumed toxic fly larvae also cause intoxication of waterbirds. Invasive fish, bivalves, and snails and their gelatinous egg masses also accumulate the toxin, thereby expanding sources of BoNT within the wetland food chain (Anza, Vidal, Feliu, Crespo, & Mateo, 2016; Chi, Chen, Cheng, Ho, & Lien, 2010; Duncan & Jensen, 1976; Yin et al, 2016). Algal mats and invasive fish such as tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ) serve as biotic reservoirs for spores and may facilitate C. botulinum spore germination and bacteria growth (Espelund & Klaveness, 2014; Nol, Rocke, Gross, & Yuill, 2004).…”