Bacterium caused duck deaths
Published: Sun, Oct. 01, 2006 12:00AM
Modified Sun, Oct. 01, 2006 02:57AM
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closeSWANSBORO -- A common bacterium is to blame for mysterious illnesses and deaths among Swansboro's free-roaming ducks, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture.
Mary Ann McBride, assistant state veterinarian, said tests confirmed the ducks died of avian botulism, a paralytic disease caused by ingestion of a toxin or poison produced by a bacterium commonly found in soil and stagnant water. Birds sometimes ingest the toxin directly while foraging or may eat toxin-laden maggots.
McBride said the outbreak did not pose a public health hazard.
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Dozens of Muscovy ducks that waddled around the waterfront died in July and August, prompting some to suggest the ducks had been intentionally poisoned. Town officials said they did nothing to destroy the ducks, which are characterized by a red crest above the beaks of adults.
State officials earlier ruled out avian bird flu and exotic Newcastle disease and said there was no indication of an infectious disease that would threaten poultry or humans. More detailed tests that can take weeks were required for botulism, according to McBride, who said the investigation ended with the conclusive results on Friday.
"It was unfortunate for the ducks, but at least we know what we are dealing with," she said.
Botulism in humans usually results from eating improperly canned foods.
Staff writer Jerry Allegood can be reached in Greenville at (252) 752-8411 or jerrya@newsobserver.com.
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