By Nikki Hutchinson, Eastern Suburbs Reporter
BOTULISM is believed to be the cause of recent bird deaths at Browns Lake in Bedford.
A Department of Environment and Conservation spokeswoman said the diagnoses could only be confirmed if the City of Bayswater or the Water Corporation, the management agencies for the reserve, tested bird and water samples.
“DEC believes that recent high temperatures and prevalence of duck weed in relatively shallow water may be contributing to general poor health of the water,” she said. She said both agencies had been notified and requested to remove all carcasses.
“Water Corp has been advised to monitor the reserve and remain in regular contact with DEC,” she said.
“Practical considerations such as fencing, signage, and rescue of sick birds should be considered by the City of Bayswater and Water Corp if it appears the problem is ongoing.”
Water Corporation spokesman Phil Kneebone said there had been no further requests from DEC to remove carcasses.
The Eastern Reporter published a story last Tuesday detailing how the Water Corporation had removed dead birds on Friday, January 22 and Monday, January 25.
“We have a regular maintenance program in place for this system and all the other drainage systems that we have responsibility for,” Mr Kneebone said.
He said people should not contribute to the problem by throwing litter into lakes and drains and feeding wildlife at reserves.
“One of the major causes of botulism in ducks is from being fed bread and other morsels,” he said.