Seagull botulism crisis

Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - The Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (SAPREC) has reported there is a botulism outbreak among seagulls in the Mossel Bay area.

SAPREC founder Carol Walton said: “This is a crisis. We have managed to save some gulls. Others are dying.”

Botulism outbreaks occur throughout the world and if they go unchecked, can result in declining numbers of bird species.

If seagulls appear to be paralysed, sick, and do not move when you walk near them, report this to SAPREC (082 364 3382) immediately.

Walton has warned that people should stay away from sick birds, which do not move away when they are approached. Do not touch or handle the birds.

Touching the birds causes them additional stress.

They should only be handled by bird rehabilitation experts who wish to administer treatment. People should also keep their dogs away from the birds.

Botulism is a type of food poisoning. Seagulls can develop botulism if they eat fish that have the bacterium.

Maggots that eat on carcasses of birds or animals can contain the bacterium and this can help to spread the disease, which causes paralysis and breathing problems in birds. Seagulls feed on carcasses.

Birds that are not treated will die, so it is important that SAPREC can treat as many birds as possible.

SUPPLIED VIDEO - DO NOT HANDLE SEAGULLS: SAPREC's Val Marsh sent the Mossel Bay Advertiser this video which had been forwarded to her. Marsh said: "These men are treating these gulls very inhumanely." She said sick birds should be left alone. They should be reported to SAPREC immediately, not touched and handled. This causes unnecessary stress to the birds. Video: Supplied