Residents Warned To Keep Pets Out Of Capalaba Regional Park

[Boronia]

I was going to put this in the 'News' section but it may be read by more DOLers here

copied and pasted from Quest Newspaper, Qld

For those who don't know, Capalaba is East of Brisbane, and the Redlands Council area includes Southern Moreton Bay

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/east/residents-warned-to-keep-pets-out-of-capalaba-regional-park-as-avian-botulism-kills-birds-fish/story-fn8m0sve-1226559039118

Residents warned to keep pets out of Capalaba Regional Park as avian botulism kills birds, fish

• by: Josh Alston, Wynnum Herald
• From: Quest Newspapers
• January 23, 2013 12:00AM

WARNING: Residents are being asked to keep dogs, like Dexter (pictured), out of Capalaba Regional Park because of an outbreak of avian botulism. Source: Quest Newspapers

Residents are being asked to keep pets out of Capalaba Regional Park due to an outbreak of avian botulism in the water.

The strain is not harmful to humans, but is killing birds and fish.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest it can harm pets, but Capalaba - Division 9 councillor Paul Gleeson has urged locals to refrain from taking their dogs to the park as a precaution.

He fears that if a pet consumes a poisoned bird or fish it could become sick as well.

``The whole park is an on-leash area, but I have seen people down there letting their dogs off for a run,'' he said.

``Keep the dogs away from the dead birds.

``Once we get a decent rain it will sort itself out. It occurs naturally when the water is so low and lacking oxygen.''

Redland City Council is removing the dead animals on a periodic basis.

Residents should contact Council on 3829 8999 if they see deceased bird life, so that the bird can be removed by Parks and Conservation officers

For more information on avian botulism go to daff.qld.gov.au

[oakway]

Well done to the council and newspaper for this timely warning.