Summers used to be noted for reports of algal blooms in nutrient-rich water bodies, in some cases producing sufficient concentrations of toxins to affect dogs or swimmers entering the water, as well as having devastating impacts on the ecology of the water system through oxygen depletion. For an example from 2025, see the piece by Dr Les Gornall on the UK’s largest freshwater lake, Lough Neagh.
Intriguingly, however, two recent news items have appeared which indicate outbreaks of avian botulism, caused by neurotoxins produced by strains of Clostridium botulinum. This occurs world-wide, but is most commonly associated with shallow, stagnant water at higher temperatures and with lower oxygen concentrations. The hot, dry summer in the UK and Europe is likely to have increased such habitats significantly: while other microbial environmental factors that contribute to occurrence and virulence are unknown or understudied.
Is this an example of the exciting new issues global warning may cause for environmental biotechnology…?
For more details on the outbreaks see:
- Birds found dead at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve – BBC News.
- Suspected botulism outbreak in St George Park investigated – BBC News
Photo of Lough Neagh courtesy of Dr Les Gornall
