RSPCA monitors suspected botulism outbreak at Liverpool park
The charity's warning people to keep dogs away from the water at Walton Hall Park
The RSPCA is monitoring a suspected avian botulism outbreak at a Liverpool park after reports of numerous sick and dying birds in the water.
The charity worked alongside Liverpool City Council on Monday, 10 August, to remove sick and dead birds from Walton Hall Park and says it will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days.
Dog owners have also been warned to keep their pets away from the water.
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.”
The RSPCA dealt with five birds — three mallards, a gull and a little grebe — which were put to sleep on humane grounds.
Around 10 dead birds were also found, according to the charity, although it says exact numbers of sick and dead birds are not currently known. The council has dealt with further birds, while another charity has recently attended to sick swans.
One gull found at the edge of the lake did not show symptoms of botulism and was rescued for a different reason.
Louise added: “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 charity is urging members of the public not to touch birds showing signs of illness and to keep dogs away from the water.
“It is really important to stay clear of any birds showing signs of being unwell,” Louise said. “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.”
Avian botulism is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and can affect populations of water birds, particularly during very hot weather.
The disease causes paralysis, meaning affected birds may be unable to use their wings or legs to walk or fly. It can also paralyse the neck muscles, leaving birds unable to hold up their heads in a condition sometimes known as “limberneck”.
Symptoms can worsen over several days, with birds potentially dying from respiratory failure or drowning.
The bacteria can multiply in rotting vegetation and is particularly associated with ponds and lakes with low oxygen levels and poor water quality. Warm weather, falling water levels and increased algae can also create conditions in which the bacteria thrives.