An outbreak of avian botulism in Otago has resulted in the deaths of around 1,000 waterfowl at the Waikouaiti wastewater treatment plant.
Otago Fish & Game reported that this is the region’s first major instance of the bacterial disease, which has primarily affected Paradise Shelducks, a native species that traditionally moults at the site. Other affected birds include native grey teal, mallards, Canada geese, black swans, and black-backed gulls.
The outbreak, attributed to the Clostridium botulinum type-C strain, was confirmed through Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) testing. Officials assure that the risk to human health is minimal, but precautions are advised for those visiting nearby wetlands.
Fish & Game and Dunedin City Council (DCC) are collaborating to manage the situation, focusing on removing infected carcasses to curb further spread.
Ian Hadland, chief executive of Otago Fish & Game, told state media there was an increasing likelihood of such outbreaks in the South Island due to “climate change” and water quality issues.
The DCC has implemented a management plan for dead bird disposal and advised residents to avoid contact with sick or deceased birds.
So these birds traditionally moult at the site and have had no prior issues. I don’t believe OFG or MPI and would prefer an independent to have a look. My guess is that the birds were deliberately poisoned.
What an absolute load of bollocks. We get dead birds from botulism frequently in Lake Rotorua when there’s an algal bloom during warm weather. It occurs in the shallower parts of the lake. It’s not climate change, it’s probably dirty water from people dumping human effluent and other waste water or run off from farms.
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/hundreds-birds-die-waikouaiti-botulism-outbreak
So it happened at the water treatment plant! As I said above it’s the dirty water created by humans that causes the botulism and it’s not an outbreak. Talk about sensationalism. More lies from the media too lazy to report it properly.
Very handy
Poisoned!!
I agree with one of the “anonymous “ comments. It is NOT climate change that causes these instances. It seems that any bird flu or algae blooms etc are instantly blamed on the climate change / global warming hoax.
What a lovely picture !!