News of local ducks dying off from disease has also caused concern for their predators.
Upwards of 20 ducks have been found dead in and around the north end of Kalamalka Lake in recent weeks.
According to the local Conservation Officer Service, the water fowl are dying from aspergillosis (a fungal respiratory disease caused by consumption of decaying vegetation and feed grains).
Samples have been sent to the provincial animal health lab to confirm and a preliminary report may be available by mid-next week.
Meanwhile, there is some concern for eagles and other predators that are picking at the remains or preying on the live infected ducks.
The threat of other mammals and birds becoming infected is small, explains Helen Schwantje, wildlife veterinarian with the Fish, Wildlife and Habitat management branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Ops/Environment
“Mammals rarely get the disease and it is not common for scavenging birds to develop the disease from eating dead or sick birds – it is usually transmitted by close contact and by respiratory means,” said Schwantje. “It is possible, theoretically, that an eagle could get it, but the disease is more commonly seen in captive raptors.”
Those who have found dead ducks on their properties are also advised to dispose of them in a landfill.
This is not the first time aspergillosis has caused duck mortality in the area, as reports were also made last year. Outbreaks of aspergillosis in waterfowl usually occur in the fall and early winter.
