BOSTON — At least 20 wild mallard ducks have had to be humanely euthanized in Boston this month.
Since Sunday, Good Samaritans and park rangers have brought the ducks to the MSPCA-Angell in Jamaica Plain after the birds started suffering from paralysis and severe respiratory issues. However, the birds could not be treated and had to be euthanized.
Pathologists at Angell performed necropsies and analyzed the blood samples from the ducks and continue to investigate what caused them to fall ill. However, data suggests the birds may have been suffering from botulism.
Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum, which can grow in stagnant pools of water during periods of intense prolonged heat, such as the period Boston has just endured.
State animal health officials and wildlife biologists are working to determine what could be done to prevent additional infections.
Boston’s Parks and Recreation department has already started draining and cleaning the pond in the public garden to remove organic matter and bacteria that could cause botulism and will refill it with fresh water.
The organic material being removed from the pond as well as the bodies of sick or dead ducks may harbor the botulinum toxin. Pet owners are advised to prevent interaction of their pet with sick or deceased ducks or sludge from the pond.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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