The scene at the pond at Capalaba Regional Park where what is believed to be avian botulism outbreak has affected birds and fish.
The pond at Capalaba Regional Park where it is believed an avian botulism outbreak has affected wildlife.
CASES of avian botulism, leading to the deaths of a small number of birds and fish, have been reported in Capalaba Regional Park.
Redland City Council posted a statement on its Facebook page yesterday that said the council had “received advice of cases of what is believed to be avian botulism”, at the park.
The statement called for local residents to call the council on 3829 8999 if they saw deceased bird life, so the bird could be removed by council officers.
“Please do not touch or attempt to remove any bird life yourself,” the statement said.
It said current weather conditions were encouraging greater than usual amounts of the naturally-occurring bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, which were commonly found in the soil of lakes and ponds, and which became toxic to birds when environmental conditions were favourable.
“Avian botulism is not known to be a human public health risk, but can affect other birds and carrion eaters, such as eels and crows that may eat the affected birds,” the statement said.
Redland City councillor Paul Gleeson (Div. 9) said people should keep their dogs on a leash and children away from the mud and deceased animals while using the park.
Anyone seeing a sick animal in the park can call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or Pelican and Seabird Rescue on 0404 118 301.
* No sick animal was left unattended in the taking of the photographs accompanying this story and wildlife rescue help was immediately sought.
