UPDATED: 9am 22/02/23
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Parks Victoria has confirmed with Gold that more than 700 native water birds have died at Bells Swamp near Maldon since reports emerged on February 8.
The organisation also confirmed that avian botulism, a neuromuscular illness caused by ingestion of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, caused the deaths.
The bacteria spores are abundant in habitats with low-oxygen levels.
Parks Victoria has urged residents to avoid the area.
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“Do not enter the water, do not handle sick or dead birds without authorisation, and take care that pets are kept away from the area.”
Human cans become sick with the disease, however it’s usually a result of eating infected fish or birds or eating food that hasn’t been stored properly.
