This is a research proposal to study botulism outbreaks of brown pelican at Salton Sea. Outbreaks of avian botulism cause thousands of death of birds including the endangered California brown pelicans at Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. We work with Coachella Valley Wild Bird Hospital to investigate and characterize the bacteria that cause this severe neuroparalytic illness. With the understanding of the bacteria and its disease mechanism, we would hope to prevent more death of the endangered brown pelicans as well as other precious wildlife at Salton Sea.
A research project for graduate students is planned to be created. This is an interdisciplinary research project that will provide opportunities for collaborative study among faculty in the Biology Department. There will be collaborative studies between Cal Poly and the Wild Bird Hospital.