Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds have experienced epizootics caused by ingestion of prey that accumulated a botulinum neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism; Type C). Waterbird carcasses, necrophagous flies, and their larvae initiate and spread avian botulism, a food-borne paralytic disease lethal to waterbirds. Each new carcass has potential to develop toxin-accumulating necrophagous vectors amplifying outbreaks and killing hundreds of endangered birds. Early carcass removal is an effective mitigation strategy for preventing avian intoxication, toxin concentration in necrophagous and secondary food webs, and reducing the magnitude of epizootics. However, rapid detection of carcasses can be problematic and labor intensive. Therefore, we tested a new method using scent detection canines for avian botulism surveillance on the island of Kaua‘i. During operational surveillance and a randomized double-blind field trial, trained detector canines with experienced field handlers improved carcass detection probability, especially in dense vegetation. Detector canines could be combined with conventional surveillance to optimize search strategies for carcass removal and are a useful tool to reduce risks of the initiation and propagation of avian botulism. This dataset is one of the three datasets that make up this data release. This table contains GPS track data for 166 surveillance surveys conducted using either all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), detector canines, or humans on foot.

Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds have experienced epizootics caused by ingestion of prey that accumulated a botulinum neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism; Type C). Waterbird carcasses, necrophagous flies, and their larvae initiate and spread avian botulism, a food-borne paralytic disease lethal to waterbirds. Each new carcass has potential to develop toxin-accumulating necrophagous vectors amplifying outbreaks and killing hundreds of endangered birds. Early carcass removal is an effective mitigation strategy for preventing avian intoxication, toxin concentration in necrophagous and secondary food webs, and reducing the magnitude of epizootics. However, rapid detection of carcasses can be problematic and labor intensive. Therefore, we tested a new method using scent detection canines for avian botulism surveillance on the island of Kaua‘i. During operational surveillance and a randomized double-blind field trial, trained detector canines with experienced field handlers improved carcass detection probability, especially in dense vegetation. Detector canines could be combined with conventional surveillance to optimize search strategies for carcass removal and are a useful tool to reduce risks of the initiation and propagation of avian botulism. This dataset is one of the three datasets that make up this data release. This table contains covariate data related to each unit covered by the surveillance survey part of this research study. Surveys were conducted using either all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), detector canines, or humans on foot.

Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds have experienced epizootics caused by ingestion of prey that accumulated a botulinum neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism; Type C). Waterbird carcasses, necrophagous flies, and their larvae initiate and spread avian botulism, a food-borne paralytic disease lethal to waterbirds. Each new carcass has potential to develop toxin-accumulating necrophagous vectors amplifying outbreaks and killing hundreds of endangered birds. Early carcass removal is an effective mitigation strategy for preventing avian intoxication, toxin concentration in necrophagous and secondary food webs, and reducing the magnitude of epizootics. However, rapid detection of carcasses can be problematic and labor intensive. Therefore, we tested a new method using scent detection canines for avian botulism surveillance on the island of Kaua‘i. During operational surveillance and a randomized double-blind field trial, trained detector canines with experienced field handlers improved carcass detection probability, especially in dense vegetation. Detector canines could be combined with conventional surveillance to optimize search strategies for carcass removal and are a useful tool to reduce risks of the initiation and propagation of avian botulism. This dataset is one of the three datasets that make up this data release. This table contains covariate data related to each unit covered by the surveillance survey part of this research study. Surveys were conducted using either all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), detector canines, or humans on foot.

Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds have experienced epizootics caused by ingestion of prey that accumulated a botulinum neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism; Type C). Waterbird carcasses, necrophagous flies, and their larvae initiate and spread avian botulism, a food-borne paralytic disease lethal to waterbirds. Each new carcass has potential to develop toxin-accumulating necrophagous vectors amplifying outbreaks and killing hundreds of endangered birds. Early carcass removal is an effective mitigation strategy for preventing avian intoxication, toxin concentration in necrophagous and secondary food webs, and reducing the magnitude of epizootics. However, rapid detection of carcasses can be problematic and labor intensive. Therefore, we tested a new method using scent detection canines for avian botulism surveillance on the island of Kaua‘i. During operational surveillance and a randomized double-blind field trial, trained detector canines with experienced field handlers improved carcass detection probability, especially in dense vegetation. Detector canines could be combined with conventional surveillance to optimize search strategies for carcass removal and are a useful tool to reduce risks of the initiation and propagation of avian botulism. This data release contains three tables: (1) a summary of surveillance GPS track data, (2) a list of surveyed areas and environmental conditions, (3) a summary of detection trial data and environmental conditions. Other data was used in the project, including a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service map of the study area and specific GPS track data on private farmland; however, since both of these data sources contain sensitive geographic data about privately owned land and farms, these data sources are not included in this data release. All references to private land have been assigned unrecognizable alphanumeric identification codes.

Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds have experienced epizootics caused by ingestion of prey that accumulated a botulinum neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism; Type C). Waterbird carcasses, necrophagous flies, and their larvae initiate and spread avian botulism, a food-borne paralytic disease lethal to waterbirds. Each new carcass has potential to develop toxin-accumulating necrophagous vectors amplifying outbreaks and killing hundreds of endangered birds. Early carcass removal is an effective mitigation strategy for preventing avian intoxication, toxin concentration in necrophagous and secondary food webs, and reducing the magnitude of epizootics. However, rapid detection of carcasses can be problematic and labor intensive. Therefore, we tested a new method using scent detection canines for avian botulism surveillance on the island of Kaua‘i. During operational surveillance and a randomized double-blind field trial, trained detector canines with experienced field handlers improved carcass detection probability, especially in dense vegetation. Detector canines could be combined with conventional surveillance to optimize search strategies for carcass removal and are a useful tool to reduce risks of the initiation and propagation of avian botulism. This data release contains three tables: (1) a summary of surveillance GPS track data, (2) a list of surveyed areas and environmental conditions, (3) a summary of detection trial data and environmental conditions. Other data was used in the project, including a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service map of the study area and specific GPS track data on private farmland; however, since both of these data sources contain sensitive geographic data about privately owned land and farms, these data sources are not included in this data release. All references to private land have been assigned unrecognizable alphanumeric identification codes.

Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds have experienced epizootics caused by ingestion of prey that accumulated a botulinum neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism; Type C). Waterbird carcasses, necrophagous flies, and their larvae initiate and spread avian botulism, a food-borne paralytic disease lethal to waterbirds. Each new carcass has potential to develop toxin-accumulating necrophagous vectors amplifying outbreaks and killing hundreds of endangered birds. Early carcass removal is an effective mitigation strategy for preventing avian intoxication, toxin concentration in necrophagous and secondary food webs, and reducing the magnitude of epizootics. However, rapid detection of carcasses can be problematic and labor intensive. Therefore, we tested a new method using scent detection canines for avian botulism surveillance on the island of Kaua‘i. During operational surveillance and a randomized double-blind field trial, trained detector canines with experienced field handlers improved carcass detection probability, especially in dense vegetation. Detector canines could be combined with conventional surveillance to optimize search strategies for carcass removal and are a useful tool to reduce risks of the initiation and propagation of avian botulism. This dataset is one of the three datasets that make up this data release. This table contains GPS track data and environmental parameters from the double-blind detection trials that were intended to compare human searches with canine-assisted searches.

Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds have experienced epizootics caused by ingestion of prey that accumulated a botulinum neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism; Type C). Waterbird carcasses, necrophagous flies, and their larvae initiate and spread avian botulism, a food-borne paralytic disease lethal to waterbirds. Each new carcass has potential to develop toxin-accumulating necrophagous vectors amplifying outbreaks and killing hundreds of endangered birds. Early carcass removal is an effective mitigation strategy for preventing avian intoxication, toxin concentration in necrophagous and secondary food webs, and reducing the magnitude of epizootics. However, rapid detection of carcasses can be problematic and labor intensive. Therefore, we tested a new method using scent detection canines for avian botulism surveillance on the island of Kaua‘i. During operational surveillance and a randomized double-blind field trial, trained detector canines with experienced field handlers improved carcass detection probability, especially in dense vegetation. Detector canines could be combined with conventional surveillance to optimize search strategies for carcass removal and are a useful tool to reduce risks of the initiation and propagation of avian botulism. This dataset is one of the three datasets that make up this data release. This table contains GPS track data and environmental parameters from the double-blind detection trials that were intended to compare human searches with canine-assisted searches.

During 2010 to 2013, waterbird mortality surveillance programs used a shared protocol for shoreline walking surveys performed June to November at three areas in northern Lake Michigan. In 2010 and 2012, 1244 total carcasses (0.8 dead bird/km walked) and 2399 total carcasses (1.2 dead birds/km walked), respectively, were detected. Fewer carcasses were detected in 2011 (353 total carcasses, 0.2 dead bird/km walked) and 2013 (451 total carcasses, 0.3 dead bird/km walked). During 3 years, peak detection of carcasses occurred in October and involved primarily migratory diving and fish-eating birds, including long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis; 2010), common loons (Gavia immer; 2012), and red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator; 2013). In 2011, peak detection of carcasses occurred in August and consisted primarily of summer residents such as gulls (Larus spp.) and double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). A subset of fresh carcasses was collected throughout each year of the study and tested for botulinum neurotoxin type E (Botulinum neurotoxin type E ). Sixty-one percent of carcasses (57/94) and 10 of 11 species collected throughout the sampling season tested positive for Botulinum neurotoxin type E , suggesting avian botulism type E was a major cause of death for both resident and migratory birds in Lake Michigan. The variety of avian species affected by botulism type E throughout the summer and fall during all 4 years of coordinated surveillance also suggests multiple routes for bird exposure to Botulinum neurotoxin type E in Lake Michigan.

During 2010 to 2013, waterbird mortality surveillance programs used a shared protocol for shoreline walking surveys performed June to November at three areas in northern Lake Michigan. In 2010 and 2012, 1244 total carcasses (0.8 dead bird/km walked) and 2399 total carcasses (1.2 dead birds/km walked), respectively, were detected. Fewer carcasses were detected in 2011 (353 total carcasses, 0.2 dead bird/km walked) and 2013 (451 total carcasses, 0.3 dead bird/km walked). During 3 years, peak detection of carcasses occurred in October and involved primarily migratory diving and fish-eating birds, including long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis; 2010), common loons (Gavia immer; 2012), and red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator; 2013). In 2011, peak detection of carcasses occurred in August and consisted primarily of summer residents such as gulls (Larus spp.) and double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). A subset of fresh carcasses was collected throughout each year of the study and tested for botulinum neurotoxin type E (Botulinum neurotoxin type E ). Sixty-one percent of carcasses (57/94) and 10 of 11 species collected throughout the sampling season tested positive for Botulinum neurotoxin type E , suggesting avian botulism type E was a major cause of death for both resident and migratory birds in Lake Michigan. The variety of avian species affected by botulism type E throughout the summer and fall during all 4 years of coordinated surveillance also suggests multiple routes for bird exposure to Botulinum neurotoxin type E in Lake Michigan.

Avian botulism toxicity is a common cause of death to water and shore birds that live near or migrate through Lake Michigan. The botulism neuro-toxin type E (bontE) gene is responsible for the production of botulinum neurotoxin type E. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was performed using a Step One Plus Thermocycler (Applied Biosystems) and protocol described in Getchell and others, 2011, Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. The assay was used to assess microbial community DNA obtained from environmental samples that were collected by Great Lakes Science Center and by National Park Service from 2011 to 2014 for the bontE gene. Samples were obtained by ponar grab or by divers and matrices collected included sediment, Cladophora, mussels, mussel micro habitat, and invertebrates. This data set is comprised of qPCR data, reported in gene copies per gram wet weight of material for each environmental matrix assessed. Ancillary information specific to sample collection is also included in the data-set, e.g., date, year, site, substrate type, depth, SER, "other description", MIBaRL ID, core depth in centimeter, matrix, collection agency, and copies per gram wet weight as an average reported value. The terms in the "Remark Code I" column are defined as follows: the term "BDL" is used when the average reported value is below the limit of detection. The term "DNQ" is used when the value is higher than the BDL and lower than the Limit of Quantification (LoQ). The term "--" is used when the value is fully quantifiable (above the LoQ). The terms in the "Remark Code II" column are defined as follows: the symbol < indicates that the result is less than the detection limit. The letter E indicates that the value was estimated because it was higher than the upper range observed for the No Template Control (NTC) samples, but lower than the Limit of Quantification (LoQ). The letter Q indicates that the sample was fully quantifiable. Where no information was given for the sample, the term “Not Applicable”, (N/A) was used. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Trophic Pathways: Sediment samples collected at fixed and random sites during 2011-2014 were analyzed for the presence of the bontE gene (the C. botulinum gene that codes for botulinum type E toxin) using quantitative PCR (qPCR) using methods described in Getchell and others, 2011. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. Quantitative PCR has been conducted on over 700 environmental samples collected during 2011-2014, including sediments, mussels and the mussel micro habitat, which is the immediate area surrounding mussel beds, attached and sloughed Cladophora, and several types of invertebrates from the waters near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Not all samples collected are represented in this data table as some samples were used for testing purposes or rendered not tested. This effort has involved challenging sample collection and coordinated environmental and laboratory approaches and is the first such comprehensive analysis using modern gene-based approaches on multiple environmental matrices for this area of the Great Lakes. Preliminary results suggest that vegetative C. botulinum cells are widespread in sediments near SLBE and that seasonality may be a factor in C. botulinum proliferation. In addition, qPCR bontE detections are being evaluated with respect to their association with depth, relation to temperature, and relation to conditions at depth, including the nature of the bottom materials, and whether mats of dead Cladophora are present. When a unique identifier is seen more than one time, it indicates that the sample was run was run undiluted and diluted. The bontE qPCR Assay: The composited standard curve for this project has a slope of -3.546, an intercept of 42.5, an R2 value of .997, and an efficiency of 91%. The Limit of Detection (LoD)and Limit of Quantification (LoQ) were calculated as follows: LoD: Choose Dilution (gc/rxn): 250; Ct0LoD: 34; Std.