Why feeding the ducks is no longer encouraged.

Increasingly, during the warmer months the birdlife at parks and waterways across Auckland are affected by avian botulism, a bacterial disease which lives in soil and can cause the death of water-based birds.

Western Springs Lakeside Park is especially hard hit this year, Manager Parks (Central/West) Mark Miller says:

“This is a reoccurring issue for many of the parks around Auckland however, the number of visitors to Western Park and the above average summer temperatures has seen cases of botulism in the park boom.”

Though the disease can affect a variety of bird life, ducks and swans are more susceptible.

“Our staff visit the park daily to remove sick and deceased birds, including removal from the lake using a boat. We are also placing barley straw bales in the lake, as these have been found to mitigate the presence of the botulism bacteria to some degree.”

How you can help

• Avoid feeding the ducks, it is better to encourage them to forage naturally.
• Don’t feed the ducks bread, it can rot in ponds and promote the growth of botulism bacteria.
• If you do feed the birds, seeds and grains are best for their diet.
• Pick up your pet’s waste and dispose of it properly.
• Call the council when you see a sick or dead duck or swan.
• Share this message with friends and family.

“We have received some great help from the community and, in particular, NZ Bird Rescue Charitable Trust, who are working with us to rehabilitate injured and sick birds. The main message for the public to help reduce avian botulism is to not feed birds in the water, but rather on the grass away from the lakes and to feed them grain rather than bread."

There are copies of the Avian Botulism pamphlet available at Waitematā Local Board office at 52 Swanson Street, or you can download the Avian Botulisim Information PDF. 

Auckland Council News