North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Botulism kills ducks in parks
Paralysed and dead birds are being found in Auckland parks and ponds on a daily basis, a duck rescue group says.
During the summer months parks and waterways across Auckland become susceptible to avian botulism, a bacterial disease which lives in soil and causes the death of waterfowl.
The disease can cause paralysis and, depending on toxicity levels, death.
Duck Rescue Auckland was founded by Cornelia Boeckl two years ago to help ducks affected by the disease.
Volunteers started recording statistics this summer and more than 300 checks had been since done before Christmas.
Out of 15 ponds, 160 dead birds were found, 80 birds were rescued and 70 birds were sick and unable to be reached.
In 2016, Boeckl said about 1000 birds died or were rescued in Western Springs within a couple of months.
Boeckl said Auckland Council wasn’t doing enough to maintain water quality and dispose of dead birds.
‘‘If they leave them in the outbreak spreads and is worse,’’ she said.
Auckland Council head of operational management and maintenance Agnes McCormack said it was working closely with Duck Rescue Auckland to address concerns.
‘‘As the occurrence of avian botulism rises with the temperature in summer, our contractors have been reminded that they need to check our ponds and waterways for dead birds and remove and dispose of the immediately,’’ McCormack said.
‘‘We are also working closely with out healthy waters department on a joined up approach to monitoring the wildlife in and around our ponds.’’
To counter the disease, council increased the installation of barley bales in affected ponds to reduce affected ponds to reduce algae growth and improve water quality, she said.
How you can help:
❚ Don’t feed the ducks bread, or any other food as it can rot in ponds and promote the growth of botulism bacteria
❚ Pick up pet faeces and dispose of it properly
❚ Call Auckland Council when you see a sick or dead duck or swan