At least two cases of Avian Botulism on Bolivar Flats Texas - September 16, 2017

When spending day on the Bolivar Peninsula on September 16 I found at least two cases of Sanderlings affected by Avian Botulism (BoNt neurotoxin). Signs were classical: birds were unable to use their wings and legs normally nor control, to some degree, the neck muscles. Not able to fly or walk they could only crawl using wing tips for support. I spent a lot of time on Bolivar Peninsula over last decade and never found even one case before.

Bolivar Flats are important place for migrating shore birds and seabirds, and home to some endangered species (large number of Piping Plovers spend here most part of the year outside of their breading grounds).