A disease that causes paralysis in birds has killed hundreds of ducks at a Waikouaiti wastewater treatment plant north of Dunedin.
The birds were found in and around the oxidation ponds at the treatment plant and were sent to the Ministry of Primary Industries where they identified the contraction of the avian botulism type-C strain.
A Dunedin City Council spokesperson said in a statement “it is unrelated to the avian influenza but is being treated as a significant animal welfare issue”.
The Medical Officer of Health has confirmed that the risk to human health was very low however the Dunedin City Council was working with Otago Fish & Game, Minsitry of Primary Industries, Department of Conservation, and Otago Regional Council to minimise the risk.
They advised anyone visiting the Waikouaiti Estuary to prevent pets eating dead birds or fish; not to handle sick or dead birds or fish; not to eat undercooked or improperly prepared waterfowl or fish; and to maintain good hand hygiene.
Dunedin City Council said it has “activated its management plan for collecting and disposing of dead birds and will continue for the next few weeks. This should help stop the spread and break the chain of infection.”
The treatment plant was fenced off and Otago Fish & Game and the Conservation Department were conducting surveillance of birds across Dunedin city for signs of any further spread.
The issue was first identified on Tuesday January 21.
This was the first recorded avian botulism outbreak at a Dunedin plant — with outbreaks being more common in the North Island.
It was caused when waterfowl ate a bacteria that occurred naturally in soils around ponds and wetlands and was found in oxidation ponds, said the Dunedin City Council.
“It is harmless until certain environmental factors occur, such as low oxygen and warm temperatures. It is not related to Avian Influenza and the type-C strain identified poses minimal risk to the health of humans.”
Anyone with concerns about their health could contact Healthline for free on 0800 611 116.
Sightings of three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group should be reported to Biosecurity New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Sick or injured wildlife should be reported to the DOC wildlife hotline 0800 362 468.
