Suspected avian botulism cases in Waimanu Lagoons
Environmental agencies collaborate to contain bird illness
Several dead waterfowl have been removed from Waimanu Lagoons in Waikanae. It’s suspected that avian botulism, a disease that causes paralysis and death in birds and fish, is the cause of the deaths.
While the cases have been detected at the Waimanu Lagoons, it is expected that the outbreak will extend to the nearby Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve. Pet owners are advised to be cautious at both locations.
Kāpiti Coast District Council environment and ecological services team lead Andy McKay said the lagoon water had been tested earlier last week and confirmed there was no toxic algae present, so avian botulism was the probable cause.
“While the toxin that causes avian botulism is present in the environment year-round, most outbreaks occur during summer when conditions are favourable for the bacteria levels to increase rapidly.”
McKay said wild and captive bird populations, most notably waterfowl, were at risk through eating invertebrates and, most commonly, maggots infected with the toxin. The disease also kills fish and eels.
“Thankfully, avian botulism does not pose a major risk to humans, but cats and dogs are at risk of illness if they eat infected carcasses.
“We ask people to keep themselves and their animals away from any dead birds, eels or fish they find in or near our waterways and to inform council so we can remove and dispose of the carcasses safely.”
Signs will be installed at Waimanu Lagoons, to ensure people are aware of the issue.
“We’re inspecting the lagoons daily
to remove dead birds and dispose of them safely.
“Outbreaks are managed through the removal of infected carcasses and breaking the maggot cycle. The disease generally runs its course once cooler weather arrives. We’re working with Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Fish & Game and the Department of Conservation to ensure collectively we have a good grasp on the spread and to keep the public informed if the situation changes.”
People are advised not to touch dead fish, eels or birds with their bare hands and not to harvest or consume birds, eels or fish from areas where botulism is suspected.
To report any dead birds in council parks and public spaces, phone 04 296 4700 or 0800 486 486.More information about avian botulism can be found on the council’s website at kapiticoast.govt.nz.