Links between type E botulism outbreaks, lake levels, and surface water temperatures in Lake Michigan, 1963-2008

►Type E avian botulism outbreaks in Lake Michigan were examined from 1963 to 2008. ►Avian botulism outbreaks occurred most frequently in years with low water levels. ►Surface water temperature in Lake Michigan was higher in outbreak years. ►The frequency of botulism outbreaks did not increase over the period of record.