Botulism is a neuromuscular disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism poisoning of fish and wildlife has recently increased in the Great Lakes. Researchers, state and federal agencies and a variety of non-government organizations are tracking the occurrences of botulism and are investigating the possible causes behind these outbreaks.
The information provided in this publication is designed to answer questions that occur when there is a botulism outbreak in a specific area of the Great Lakes and to explain the associated ecological implications. Recent botulism outbreaks have primarily impacted bird populations, although some species of bottom-dwelling fish have suffered localized die-offs. The threat to human health is minimal, and the only documented cases of human sickness resulting from Type E botulism were caused by consumption of cold-smoked, vacuum packed fish during the 1960s. This information is provided so that hunters, recreational anglers, coastal residents and interested citizens can take simple, common sense precautions to reduce or eliminate any risk from handling or consuming waterfowl or fish that have been exposed to botulism toxin.
Q&A Contents:
Credits
The editors which to thank the Sea Grant programs, researchers and federal and state agencies that have provided information used in this publication.
Lead Editor:
Chiara Zuccarino-Crowe, ORISE Intern at U.S. EPA
Editorial Committee:
Mark Breederland, Michigan Sea Grant
Helen Domske, New York Sea Grant
Beth Hinchey Malloy, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and U.S. EPA
Elizabeth LaPorte, Michigan Sea Grant
Eric Obert, Pennsylvania Sea Grant
Brandon Schroeder, Michigan Sea Grant
2007 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.
Links above: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo and http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/greatlakes
