Epidemic (animal)

At least 50 waterbirds have died from botulism in the Bellefroid ponds in Leuven caused by hot weather and low water levels. The disease is caused by a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil and sludge of ponds and leads to muscle paralysis.
The type of botulism that is dangerous to birds is, in principle, harmless to humans. As a precaution, however, the estate is being closed off to ensure that people or dogs do not come into contact with the carcasses.
Meanwhile, the animal welfare organisation Animal Rescue Service has removed 50 waterbird carcasses, primarily ducks. “When the birds come into contact with the bacteria and fall ill, they usually drown,” says spokesperson Matthieu Helleputte.
When the birds come into contact with the bacteria and fall ill, they usually drown
The organisation is continuing to monitor the situation. Helleputte: “We go to the site every day to remove dead birds and check whether there are any sick animals we can take to an animal rescue centre. So far, we have only found dead birds. Should we find any living infected animals, we may be able to treat them.”
The Bellefroid estate will remain closed until for at least a week. An assessment will then be carried out to determine whether the park can reopen.