Dead ducks found at park amid botulism concerns

A safety warning has been issued after five dead ducks were discovered at a park in Kent.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said the birds were found at Dunorlan Park - and urged dog-walkers to keep their pets away from the water.

"As a precaution, signage has been displayed advising visitors not to touch dead or sick birds and to report them immediately to the parks team," a council spokesperson said.

"The prolonged period of hot, dry weather and reduced water levels has led to an increased risk of avian botulism at a number of locations nationally."

The authority said there was currently no confirmation of avian botulism at Dunorlan Park or whether it was responsible for the bird deaths.

The incident has been reported to Defra, the council said.

The local authority has urged dog owners to keep pets away from the water.

The council said the wildfowl deaths were reported late last week, with no further cases reported since.

Defra has been approached for comment.

Recently, Sussex Wildlife Trust warned that avian botulism outbreaks would become more common due to climate change.

This comes as more than 100 birds were found dead at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in East Sussex.

Avian botulism is a neurological disease caused by a toxin; the bacterium that produces the toxin thrives in warm, shallow, oxygen-lacking water.

The disease causes infected birds to become paralysed, so they cannot walk or fly.

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