Avian botulism

Context :
In November, 2019 nearly 10,000 of migratory birds were found dead mysteriously in the Sambhar Salt lake area.
In News :
* The Sambhar Salt Lake, India's largest inland salt lake, is located 80 km southwest of the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan . It surrounds the historical Sambhar Lake Town. Sambhar Lake has been designated as a Ramsar site (recognized wetland of international importance).
* Avian botulism is a serious neuromuscular illness of birds caused by a toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Avian botulism has been recognised as a major cause of mortality in wild-birds since the 1900s.
About:
* Until November 19, the Rajasthan government had, using various agencies, buried a total 17,454 dead birds to prevent the spread of infection.
* The clinical signs exhibited by affected birds included dullness, depression, anorexia, flaccid paralysis in legs and wings, and neck touching the ground. The birds were unable to walk, swim, or take flight.
* The investigation so far points to avian botulism — a paralytic, frequently fatal disease caused by the ingestion of toxins — as a possible cause. This has not, however, been officially confirmed.

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