Mystery illness kills 79 birds at Bendigo lake in five days
Seventy-nine ibises died at Lake Weeroona over five days. Similar symptoms are now appearing 1.5km away at Rosalind Park fernery.
Wildlife rescuers in Bendigo are investigating a mystery illness affecting birds at two locations. Seventy-nine ibises died at Lake Weeroona over five days to Sunday, October 4.
Now, sick and dead birds are appearing at Rosalind Park's fernery. The sick birds show matching symptoms: unable to stand and struggling to hold their heads up.
Three live sick birds were found at the fernery alongside multiple dead ibises. Volunteers in biohazard gear removed the animals and sent samples to a vet for testing.
Initial tests ruled out H5N1 bird flu. Agriculture Victoria is investigating.
The Bendigo council is helping remove bird bodies to prevent water damage and diseases like avian botulism. Wildlife rescuers caution that increased reports may just reflect more people watching for sick birds.
This comes from widespread public attention about Lake Weeroona.
- 79
- Ibises dead at Lake Weeroona
- 5 days to October 4
- Timeframe
- 1.5 kilometres
- Fernery distance from lake
- H5N1 bird flu
- Virus ruled out
Why it mattersAn unidentified bird illness could threaten local wildlife populations. It also poses a biosecurity concern if it spreads.
AustraliaVictoria's wildlife health services investigating a potential disease outbreak affecting birds across greater Bendigo.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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