At least 600 migratory bird deaths were reported from Rajasthan by the Centre for Avian Research Institute in November 2024.
- According to a recent report, high temperatures and reduced salinity in Sambhar lake may have created conditions conducive to avian botulism, resulting in the mass deaths of migratory birds in Rajasthan.
- Avian botulism is caused by the ingestion of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which leads to paralysis and can be fatal for birds.
- These bacterial spores are widespread in wetland sediments and are found in most wetland habitats.
- The United Kingdom-based Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) has noted that conditions like high temperatures, low oxygen levels, and an abundance of organic nutrients may contribute to outbreaks among birds.
