A large part of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve near Castle Water remains closed to the public after suspected cases of avian botulism in dead birds were discovered. The outbreak was declared on Thursday 20 August following a period of unusually hot and dry weather which has caused water levels across the reserve to fall significantly.
The resulting warm, shallow water can provide conditions in which the toxin responsible for avian botulism develops. Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in the UK this summer in Bristol and Liverpool.
A spokesperson for Sussex Wildlife Trust said, “We have become aware of a number of dead birds on the reserve at Rye Harbour and avian botulism is suspected. Dogs can become seriously ill if they drink contaminated water or eat an affected bird. We advise that dogs should be kept on a lead at all times and kept out of the water. “
Avian botulism is a paralytic and often fatal disease caused when birds ingest a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It particularly affects waterbirds. For anyone witnessing an affected bird, the symptoms can be distressing. Birds gradually become weak and lose movement in their wings and legs, leaving them unable to walk or fly. In severe cases the paralysis can prevent them from holding up their heads.
Sussex Wildlife Trust warns that large numbers of birds can potentially be affected and that outbreaks may continue for several weeks and can recur.
Visitors are being asked to take particular care while enjoying the reserve. People should avoid contact with the water themselves and sick, injured or dead birds should never be touched.
Anyone finding dead wild birds can report them to Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), 0345 9335577. Reports help the authorities monitor disease in Britain’s wild bird populations, although not every reported bird will necessarily be collected for testing.
Image Credits: Sussex Wildlife Trust .