General News
23 February, 2023
Over 700 birds found dead near Laanecoorie
More than 700 birds have been found dead due to a paralysing illness about 30 kilometres away from Maryborough. A mass bird death event first reported on February 8 at Bells Swamp Nature Reserve, near Laanecoorie, has been confirmed to be caused by...
More than 700 birds have been found dead due to a paralysing illness about 30 kilometres away from Maryborough.
A mass bird death event first reported on February 8 at Bells Swamp Nature Reserve, near Laanecoorie, has been confirmed to be caused by avian botulism.
As of Wednesday, February 22, around 740 birds have been found dead according to estimates published by Parks Victoria.
Avian botulism is a serious illness in birds caused as a result of a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which survives as spores in soils and sediment in wetlands and lakes.
Laboratory test results, in combination with the signs observed in affected birds, are consistent with the Clostridium botulinum toxin, which attacks the brain and nervous system of infected animals, causing paralysis.
“Since the start of this event we have suspected avian botulism as the cause and that’s now been confirmed. Sadly, hundreds of birds have died but at this stage the event appears to be limited to Bells Swamp,” Parks Victoria district manager Suzanne Hughes said.
Parks Victoria has coordinated the response as land manager for Bells Swamp, leading a combined effort with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and other organisations.
Rangers and volunteers have removed dead birds for disposal and collected sick or injured birds for monitoring and care. These efforts will continue over the coming days.
Humans and pets are primarily at risk only if they eat infected fish, birds or maggots, and botulism toxin is not infectious.
The reserve will remain closed until further notice, to limit disturbance to the birds and protect the public.
“We know the community will be concerned about the event, but avian botulism poses very little risk to humans or pets. We ask that people stay away from Bells Swamp until it is reopened to the public,” Ms Hughes said.
“The efforts of volunteers, Parks Victoria rangers and other agency staff to respond to the event have been magnificent and are deeply appreciated.”
Events like this one have been recorded in Victoria since 1938, and usually occur in the summer months.