Outbreak of botulism leads to call for new guidelines

THE Lough wildlife amenity in Cork has recovered following a devastating outbreak of botulism earlier this year.

However, further measures are needed to protect it into the future, a new report recommends.

The report, which draws on research completed by the Department of Zoology at University College Cork, was presented to city councillors last night.

It shows there has been no case of botulism type C since the summer outbreak which killed more than 40 swans and ducks.

But it recommends the implementation of a number of management proposals to protect the wildlife reserve, including:

* Reducing the number of birds.

* Prohibiting bird feeding.

* Diverting surface run-off.

* Reducing the number of carp.

* Controlling the type of bait used by anglers.

Cllr John Buttimer (FG) welcomed the report and said it is essential the lake is managed properly “to ensure that future generations of Cork people can continue to experience and enjoy the wildlife”.

He called for the establishment of a schools-based educational outreach programme targeting local national schools.

“The experience of the success of recycling projects was that it was begun by previous generations and they influenced their parents and other generations,” he said.

“We have to start educating people now about the importance of the biodiversity within our city and how easily threatened it can be by changes in environmental factors.”

Cllr Mick Finn (Ind) also welcomed the report and praised the public for their response to requests not to feed the birds bread following the outbreak.