Botulism in Lake Ontario harming birds, fish

[GLF]

Botulism is back on Lake Ontario's shores, where invasive species are helping it thrive.

Every summer, when water temperatures rise, thousands of fish and fish-eating birds such as gulls and terns succumb to the toxin produced by botulism bacteria across the Great Lakes.

And in recent weeks, state Department of Environmental Conservation scientists have confirmed an outbreak at the east end of Lake Ontario that has killed hundreds of birds. They also have found the toxin in Sodus Bay, 40 miles east of Rochester.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060809/NEWS01/608090350/1002/NEWS