Avian botulism rife: Don't feed the ducks, Auckland Council urges

Friday, 26 February 2016

Avian botulism affects waterfowl such as ducks, swan and geese,

A favourite childhood pastime is under threat, with Auckland Council urging people to think twice before feeding bread to ducks at various water bodies across the city.

The ducks may look like they want it, but leftover bread in water systems is rotting and supporting bacterial growth, contributing to a rash of cases of avian botulism.

Feeding ducks bread is damaging to their health and habitats.

Once ingested by water-dwelling birds, the bacteria Clostridium botulinum produces a powerful neurotoxin, which paralyses the bird from the neck down.

The disease is killing hundreds of birds in the Auckland area and the council said the public can help reduce the risk of disease by not feeding birds in the water - but rather on the grass away from the lakes.

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'Feeding them grain rather than bread is better for their health,' added Mark Miller, Auckland Council manager for parks, also noting there is plenty of natural food available for birds.

The bacteria is naturally occurring in soils and waterways, but is encouraged by warm, dry conditions when water quality is low.

Western Springs Park has been particularly badly hit. One woman said during the last three weeks she had rescued two or three sicks birds each day and on one day had brought in 10 ducks and three swans.

Miller said botulism can affect any water-feeding bird, however ducks and swans are more susceptible.

'Our staff visit the park daily to remove sick and deceased birds, including removal from the lake using a boat.

'We are also placing barley straw bales in the lake, as these have been found to mitigate the presence of the botulism bacteria to some degree,' Miller said.

The NZ Bird Rescue Charitable Trust is working with the council and rehabilitating injured birds.

Avian botulism has also killed off hundreds of birds at the Miranda Shorebird Centre south of Auckland in the past few weeks.

Department of Conservation (DOC) wildlife vet Kate McInnes said the bacteria will disappear when rain and cooler temperatures change the conditions that triggered the outbreak.

'But the most effective way to manage an outbreak is to safely dispose of dead birds found in an outbreak area,' McInnes said.

This can greatly reduce the number of birds that contract the disease and stop the disease re-entering the ecosystem.

Avian botulism is a bird disease that poses no risk to humans.