| MSD is presently
investigating an incident involving the death of numerous mallard ducks on the south Fork
of Beargrass Creek.
The presence of sick and dead ducks was brought
to MSD’s attention by residents near the Louisville Zoo early this morning. MSD water
quality technicians began walking the creek from the Louisville Zoo upstream (south)
toward Bashford Manor Lane and West Buechel (near the Bashford Manor Mall.
At this time (2:00 P.M.), MSD field personnel
have found approximately 100 dead ducks. Another 15 to 20 sick ducks have been transported
to the Louisville Zoo for treatment.
The cause of death has not been determined at
this time, but the symptoms and conditions closely resemble a similar incident on the
Middle Ford of Beargrass Creek in July.
In that incident, drought conditions contributed
to a shortage of natural food sources for the ducks. They ingested bacteria in the creek
bed, causing botulism poisoning. In turn, other ducks began feeding on ducks that had died
from botulism poisoning, which increased the numbers of both sick and dying ducks. Testing
will be required to determine the exact cause of death.
MSD is reinforcing its number of field personnel
in an effort to remove the dead ducks in the area (contaminated food source) and transport
the sick ducks to the Louisville Zoo for treatment.
If you have any questions regarding this
incident, please contact MSD Emergency Response Director Bud Schardein at 540-6319. |
