Kelp gulls treated for botulism

Since the beginning of March, Saprec (the Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre) has received 15 kelp gulls and a few gannets with food poisoning (botulism).

Most of the birds came from Vleesbaai and Dana Bay.

The main symptom of botulism is the birds are completely paralysed and cannot stand, walk or fly. They are treated with activated charcoal once a day, which flushes out the poison and electrolytes are given throughout the day.

Gradually they will start eating a small amount of fish and then they will start standing and wobbling about. As soon as they are stronger they are moved into a bigger area where they can fly a little until they are ready to be released. It takes a bird approximately one month to recover completely. Unfortunately the origin of the poisoning is unknown. It did, however, coincide with the outbreak of listeriosis and it could be possible that discarded products in household garbage have been consumed by the birds at the landfill site.

Due to the prompt rescue of the sick birds on beaches by volunteers and especially Rene Hodges from Nautilus Bay, all the birds have survived and the releases have started.

If birds on beaches are encountered with the paralysing symptoms, call Carol Walton (082 364 3382) for assistance.

The main symptom of botulism is the birds are completely paralysed and cannot stand, walk or fly.

Photo: Tersia Marais Photo: Rene Hodges. Kelp gulls that were treated for botulism were released recently. INSET: The scavenging nature of kelp gulls often causes them to feed at landfill sites, where they can easily be poisoned by rotten items.