Environment

Avian (bird) botulism is a disease that causes progressive weakness, paralysis and eventually death in water birds.

Water birds eat plants and invertebrates, such as maggots, insects and worms, and in the process ingest the botulism toxin released by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, a bacterial species that is naturally present within wetlands and lakes round the world. During warmer periods of the year, when water and soil temperatures are also warmer, bacterial numbers increase. Feeding water birds bread can also increase the risk of them being affected by botulism.

Feeding water birds can unintentionally cause them harm and pollutes their habitats. They eat a diet of insects, snails and worms and should not be fed bread or other foods, which can cause malnourishment, sickness and dependence on the wrong diet. Bread also raises nutrient levels in the water, which leads to an increase in soil bacteria that causes avian botulism.

For rescues, please contact Western Australian Seabird Rescue on (08) 6102 8464, or the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 905 for advice. Please note that WA Seabird Rescue is a volunteer organisation. Alternatively, contact the City as soon as possible on (08) 9405 5000 to report the matter.

No. Removing healthy birds is not effective. Most will return to the lakes, and the stress of removal can make them more vulnerable to disease.

Avian botulism (Type C) has been recently detected, this type of botulism is not known to affect humans. However, the following precautions are recommended:

• Do not handle affected birds unless you are trained.
• Swimming is not permitted in any City lakes or wetlands.
• Do not drink water from any City lakes or wetlands.

The City recommends that dogs be kept on leads near affected lakes and wetland areas to prevent them going in the water. It is rare for dogs to contract botulism but it is possible, so caution is recommended. Most cases of botulism in dogs are caused by eating dead animals or contaminated raw meat.

No. Draining lakes is not recommended, as it can increase water temperatures and trigger botulism within lake sediments. The City will continue to monitor water quality, remove organic matter from lake edges, and clear litter and rubbish as required.

Keeping our waterways and their surrounds free of rubbish is an important way to protect our wildlife and precious environment. When visiting parks or reserves in the City, please put your rubbish in the bin, or take it home with you. Dispose of waste sensibly so it doesn’t end up in our waterways. Together we can ensure our recreational areas are kept in pristine condition, and please remember not to feed water birds. It can make them sick and dependent on humans.