❗ Biosecurity alert - avian botulism
Signs of avian botulism, a disease that causes paralysis and death in birds, have been identified in multiple dead and dying ducks found at Waikanae Beach’s Pharazyn Reserve.
We’ve collected carcasses from the oxidation ponds, which are already predominantly closed to the public, and erected signage to ensure people are aware of the issue.
Wild and captive bird populations, most notably waterfowl, can contract the disease through the carcasses of those killed by avian botulism but thankfully it does not cross over to humans. It can however make cats and dogs sick if they eat a dead bird infected with the disease.
Please keep away from any dead birds you find in or near our waterways and let us know on 0800 486 486 so we can remove and dispose of the carcasses safely.
We’ll continue to monitor the site on a regular basis, removing any newly deceased birds. It may take some time, but we will let you know as soon as possible when we find out the cause of the current mortalities.
Driven On The Akatarawa Rd Lately?
If so, its good to know you are still alive and reading this.
We have a function to go to over Christmas up that way and having heard a few hairy stories about the road, I went up there on Thursday to check it out. The road's ok, narrow and winding, but not much worse than a Wellington hill suburb. What was pretty scary was the behavior of other drivers. Three vehicles heading the other way at speed would have crashed into me if I hadn't been pulled off the road. I had pulled in to check the address when a truck came flying past, taking up all of the narrow road at speed. There is no way the driver would have been able to stop had they come around the corner immediately in front of me. The other two drivers came hurtling past as I had turned in to turn around and come back down the hill. They were also driving at speed and taking up most of the road. Coming back down I passed another car coming up and estimate that the safe speed to pass another car was about 30-35 kms.p.h. So, now we're thinking, do we go to the function or not.? Feels a bit like we're taking our life in our hands going up there. Drivers appear to be overconfident, and they are courting serious injury.
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