Botulism is a serious illness that can affect waterbirds, such as ducks, geese, and coots. It is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum*. The toxin can be ingested through contaminated food or water, or it can be absorbed through the skin.

Botulism can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness, paralysis, and death. The mortality rate for waterbirds can be as high as 90%.

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of botulism outbreaks in waterbirds in North America. The reasons for this increase are not fully understood, but they may be related to changes in climate and land use.

New research is shedding light on how botulism spreads among waterbirds. One study found that the toxin can be transmitted through direct contact between infected and uninfected birds. This suggests that botulism can spread quickly through a flock of birds.

Another study found that the toxin can be transmitted through contaminated water. This suggests that botulism can spread over long distances, as infected birds can contaminate water sources that are used by other birds.

The research on botulism in waterbirds is helping to improve our understanding of this disease and how it spreads. This information can be used to develop more effective strategies for preventing and controlling botulism outbreaks.

Here are some tips for preventing botulism in waterbirds:

* Keep your bird feeders clean and free of mold.

* Do not feed your birds food that is spoiled or moldy.

* Do not allow your birds to drink from stagnant water.

* If you see a sick or dead waterbird, report it to your local wildlife agency.

By following these tips, you can help to protect waterbirds from botulism.