When botulism strikes: Insights from 7 years of avian botulism admissions to BirdCare Aotearoa 2018-2025
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Kuhlmann, Bianca
Lloren, Paolina
Kemp, Caralyn
McMenamin, Chloe
Lloren, Paolina
Kemp, Caralyn
McMenamin, Chloe
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Date
2025-11-16
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Conference Contribution - Oral Presentation
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant (Auckland, N.Z.)
Auckland (N.Z.)
Aotearoa
New Zealand
birds
botulism
BirdCare Aotearoa
Auckland (N.Z.)
Aotearoa
New Zealand
birds
botulism
BirdCare Aotearoa
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Kuhlmann, B., Lloren, P., Kemp, C., & McMenamin, C. (2025, November, 16) When botulism strikes: Insights from 7 years of avian botulism admissions to BirdCare Aotearoa 2018-2025 [Paper presentation]. Unitec School of Environmental and Animal Sciences Research Symposium 2025, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/7257
Abstract
Globally, avian botulism is a major cause of death in wild birds, claiming millions of waterbirds each year; however, the impact on New Zealand avifauna is not well known. BirdCare Aotearoa is New Zealand’s largest wild bird hospital and rehabilitation centre and cares for thousands of wild birds each year. Anecdotally, botulism is a common cause of admission to the centre. We reviewed the rescue’s admission data for over 39,000 birds across a seven-year period to identify key botulism hotspots and examine seasonal, species-level, and outcome patterns in presumptive cases. Five percent of birds admitted were affected by botulism and incidences were notably higher during the warmer months (December to April) consistent with international trends. The most significant botulism hotspot identified in the Auckland region is the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant and adjacent restored coastal areas known to support high populations of threatened native bird species. The distribution of species admitted with botulism varied significantly. Dabbling ducks of the Mallard-Grey Duck complex accounted for 68% of all cases. This group includes the pure native Pārera/Grey Duck (Anas superciliosa), introduced Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and their hybrids. Other affected native species included Pūtangitangi/Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) and the small gulls Tarāpuka/Black-Billed Gull (Chroicocephalus buller) and Tarāpunga/Red-Billed Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus). Populations of both are in decline. Rehabilitation success rates ranged from 23% to 82%, influenced by species, outbreak severity, environmental conditions, treatment timing and evolving treatment protocols. Our results highlight the significant impact of botulism on native birds in Auckland. Key hotspot identification and species-level data support a more evidence-based approach to resource allocation at BirdCare Aotearoa and targeted disease management, surveillance, and public education in key areas during the summer months.
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