Avian botulism is caused by which bacterium?

Study for the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with explanations. Get ready for your certification!

Multiple Choice

Avian botulism is caused by which bacterium?

Explanation:
Avian botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore-forming anaerobe that thrives in decaying organic matter in wetlands. Birds ingest the toxin, which disrupts nerve signaling and leads to progressive weakness and paralysis. The other bacteria listed do not produce this toxin or cause botulism in birds—Escherichia coli is linked to colibacillosis, Bacillus subtilis is typically environmental and not a common pathogen in wildlife botulism, and Clostridium perfringens causes enteric disease rather than botulism. This makes Clostridium botulinum the best answer.

Avian botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore-forming anaerobe that thrives in decaying organic matter in wetlands. Birds ingest the toxin, which disrupts nerve signaling and leads to progressive weakness and paralysis. The other bacteria listed do not produce this toxin or cause botulism in birds—Escherichia coli is linked to colibacillosis, Bacillus subtilis is typically environmental and not a common pathogen in wildlife botulism, and Clostridium perfringens causes enteric disease rather than botulism. This makes Clostridium botulinum the best answer.

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