Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets away from water in Walton Hall Park after a suspected outbreak of avian botulism led to the removal of sick and dead birds. RSPCA rescuers have been working with Liverpool Council in the north Liverpool park to manage the situation.
Outbreak Details
Outbreaks of this disease can occur in hot weather and in water which has little oxygen. Birds who contract the disease are unable to use their legs or wings and they can’t fly. It also paralyses the bird’s neck muscles stopping it from holding its head. They can remain in this state for days and death is often due to respiratory failure or drowning.
RSPCA Inspector Louise Showering said: “It is awful to deal with this as the birds are in such a state of suffering and if left they will die a lingering death or drown with this type of incident.
“Species involved that we know of so far are Canada geese, mallard, gulls, moorhen and little grebes. Sadly a couple of fish in the pond may have also been affected too.
“We dealt with five birds - three mallards, one gull and one little Grebe who were all put to sleep on humane grounds.
Rescue and Advice
Showering added: “There were around 10 dead and sadly we understand the council has dealt with many more birds. We’re also aware that another charity has recently attended to some sick swans.
“However, one gull was found at the edge of the lake, waterlogged and showed no symptoms of botulism, so it needed rescuing for a completely different reason.
“This gull, who was taken to a vet, is doing well and is now eating and drinking so he will be going to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for monitoring.”
The RSPCA is advising members of the public to keep dogs away from the water and not to touch sick birds. Inspector Showering added: “It is really important to stay clear of any birds showing signs of being unwell. In addition please keep your dogs away from the water.
“We’d ask anyone who sees any collapsed birds to call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and can quote reference number 01874960. The public are being advised to contact the park rangers or local authority if they find dead bodies.”
