Dogs at risk after toxin kills birds at Rye
Toby HoultonA number of dead birds have been found at a reserve, Sussex Wildlife Trust has said.
The birds at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve are thought to have been killed by avian botulism, a disease caused by a toxin that appears in warmer weather.
"Recent hot and dry conditions have caused water levels to fall significantly, creating conditions in which the toxin can develop," said the trust.
Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets on leads at all times and not let them enter water.
Dogs can become seriously ill if they eat an infected bird or drink contaminated water.
There have been other suspected outbreaks of avian botulism in the UK, including in Bristol.
Sussex Wildlife Trust has warned that large numbers of birds may be affected, and outbreaks can last several weeks.
The disease causes infected birds to become paralysed, so they cannot walk or fly.
Visitors to Rye Harbour are being urged to avoid contact with water and not touch sick, injured or dead animals.
