Bristol City Council is investigating a suspected botulism outbreak at a man-made lake in St George Park. The investigation follows reports from the public of dead or unwell birds and other wildlife in the Bristol park.
Volunteers from Bath Swan Rescue have been assisting affected animals. They confirmed that two birds they collected had botulism, a toxin produced by bacteria that thrives in shallow, stagnant water during warm weather. Ceri Dunning, a volunteer, stated that they have recovered "about five" birds with confirmed botulism, with one surviving.
Heather Mack, deputy leader of the council, said avian botulism poses a very low risk to human health. She noted that similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in the country following recent heatwaves. Mack attributed the conditions to prolonged hot and dry weather, which has led to historically low water levels in St George Park, creating an environment where the toxin can thrive.
The council has placed posters around the park to inform the public. People are advised not to handle sick, injured, or dead wildlife, to keep dogs on a lead and out of the water, and to avoid feeding wild birds or contact with the water. The public is asked to report any sick, injured, or dead birds to the council.