Swans die from avian botulism at Lake Rotokawa

PHOTO/FILE

Fish & Game in Rotorua is appealing for the public's help in dealing with avian botulism – after receiving a report of the deadly waterfowl disease.

Senior Fish & Game Officer Matthew McDougall said swans were reported to have died from the disease at Lake Rotokawa.

He said with the extended period of hot and humid weather, more cases were likely to occur.

Avian botulism could paralyse and kill birds and outbreaks were often sparked by warm temperatures and water with low oxygen content, McDougall said.

He said that in one outbreak in the past, "botulism killed 2000 birds in just one spot".

McDougall said that the disease could affect any water-feeding bird, however game birds like mallards and swans were especially susceptible.

"Locals who come across dead birds can help by burying the carcasses, to help prevent the spread of the disease.

"Quick and safe disposal of dead birds is the best way to combat an outbreak," he said.

"Past outbreaks and the actions taken have shown that this can cut down the number of birds that contract the disease and slow its spread."

McDougall said a change in the weather with cooler conditions should relieve the situation - outbreaks were normally isolated or localised incidents.

People handling dead birds should wear gloves.

Botulism symptoms include the birds having trouble holding their heads up.

"The best treatment for sick birds is to put them in the shade where they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water."

If they were going to survive, they generally came right in two to three days, he said.